article
noun (countable)
UK/ˈɑː.tɪ.kəl/US/ˈɑr.tɪ.kəl/
a piece of writing included with others in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication; a particular item or object; in grammar, the words 'a,' 'an,' and 'the' used as determiners
Example Sentences
He wrote an article about climate change for the local newspaper.
Please read this article before our next class discussion.
In grammar, 'a,' 'an,' and 'the' are known as articles.
Each article in the shop was carefully priced and neatly displayed.
She published an article in a peer-reviewed journal on data analysis.
The final article in the contract outlines the terms for renewal.
Although the online article was initially overlooked, it soon garnered widespread attention on social media, sparking a national debate about environmental policies.
Before drafting your own opinion piece, it is often helpful to review articles from different perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the topic at hand.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A written text or grammar marker for specific or general nouns.In everyday usage, “article” typically refers to two major concepts: a piece of writing published in a newspaper, magazine, or online platform, and a part of speech in grammar that helps identify nouns (like “the,” “a,” and “an”). When speaking of a written piece, you might mention its length, content, or purpose. For instance, “I read an article about climate change” points out a focused work on a specific topic. Conversely, in grammar, “article” indicates whether the noun is definite (the) or indefinite (a/an). Using the right article can alter meaning: compare “I want a dog” (any dog) with “I want the dog” (a specific dog). Context is everything. By paying attention to formality, subject matter, and the desired specificity, you can decide which sense of “article” best suits your needs—whether referring to a polished piece of writing or the small but critical function words that shape clarity in sentences.
Alternatives
If you want alternatives to the sense of “article” as a piece of writing, you can often use words like “piece,” “essay,” “feature,” or “item.” These terms shift slightly in tone: “piece” and “essay” can emphasize a more thoughtful or literary perspective, whereas “feature” often implies a longer, more in-depth look at a subject (especially in magazines). For newspaper or blog contexts, “story” or “post” can highlight a narrative angle or an online platform. Meanwhile, when discussing articles in grammar, you might instead say “determiner” if you want a broader term that includes words beyond “a,” “an,” or “the.” Phrases like “grammatical marker” also capture the role these small words play in clarity and precision. Each of these alternatives has a distinct flavor. “Feature,” for instance, may suggest a magazine highlight, while “post” is well suited for digital publications. By choosing the right alternative based on context and audience, you keep your language precise and engaging without overusing “article.”
Writing
When writing about any “article,” clarity is your best ally. If you’re referring to a published piece—whether in a scholarly journal, a magazine, or a blog—introduce the author, the main topic, and the publication medium. For example, “In her latest article on sustainable living, Dr. Martinez outlines practical tips for reducing waste.” That concise introduction tells your readers who wrote the piece, what it’s about, and why it might interest them. If the focus is on a grammar “article,” specify how these tiny words make a big difference. Illustrate how dropping or misusing “the,” “a,” or “an” can change the meaning of a sentence, such as “I saw a cat” versus “I saw the cat.” By showing how an article affects nuance, you underscore the importance of precision. In academic or formal writing, back up your points with evidence or examples from authoritative sources. Whether you’re analyzing a published work or dissecting grammar usage, clarity and specificity will help you convey how “article” functions in context, giving readers a solid grasp of your argument or explanation.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “article” often comes up when discussing something you’ve read—like, “I just saw an interesting article about that new restaurant opening.” It’s handy to specify the source—online, a newspaper, or a magazine—so friends get a clearer sense of where you found it. Keep the tone casual by focusing on what caught your attention: “It had a list of must-try dishes.” If you’re talking about language, you might say, “He always leaves out articles when he speaks,” especially if someone is a non-native speaker. Don’t worry too much about diving into grammar terminology—most people understand what you mean if you mention words like “the” or “a.” In friendly settings, “article” mainly just signals you read something worth chatting about, or you noticed a quirk in how people speak or write. If you sense more interest from your listener, you can offer additional details or switch to synonyms like “piece” or “post.”
Etymology
The word “article” finds its roots in Latin “articulus,” meaning “a small joint” or “division,” which evolved through Old French into Middle English, carrying the notion of distinct parts or segments. Initially, “article” captured the idea of a separate piece belonging to a larger whole—much like a small, pivotal component of a bigger mechanism. Over time, this notion was applied both to written works, which represent individual segments within newspapers or scholarly compilations, and to grammar, where small words designate the specifics or generalities of nouns. As mass literacy grew and publication formats diversified, “article” became a versatile term—covering everything from short opinion pieces in a local paper to in-depth research compositions in scientific journals. This adaptability echoes its original Latin sense of segmentation, emphasizing the crucial, though sometimes overlooked, function of these “little parts” in communication—whether as separate texts or as vital grammatical markers.