plural articles
1
: a piece of writing about a particular subject that is included in a magazine, newspaper, etc.
a magazine/newspaper article
I just read an interesting article on/about the city's early history.
He has published numerous articles in scholarly journals.
an encyclopedia article
2
: a particular kind of object
an article [=piece] of clothing
domestic/household articles
articles [=pieces] of furniture
—sometimes used figurativelyFor many people it is an article of faith [=something that is believed without being questioned or doubted] that the economy will begin to improve soon.
A lot of people pretend to be cowboys, but he's the genuine article. [=he's a real cowboy]
3
: a separate part of a legal document that deals with a single subject
Article 3 of the U.S. Constitution
The company amended its articles of incorporation.
4
grammar
: a word (such as a, an, or the) that is used with a noun to show whether or not the noun refers to a specific person or thing
articles; articled; articling
British
: to work for a group of lawyers, architects, etc., while you are learning to become a lawyer, architect, etc.
He articled at the famous law firm many years ago.
—usually used as (be) articled toShe was articled to a firm of engineers.
Cite this Entry
“Article.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/article. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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