Etimology
From Middle English article, from Old French article, from Latin articulus (“a joint, limb, member, part, division, the article in grammar, a point of time”), from Latin artus, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂értus (“that which is fit together; juncture, ordering”), from the root *h₂er- (“to join, fit (together)”). Doublet of articulus.
noun
article (plural articles)
A piece of nonfiction writing such as a story, report, opinion piece, or entry in a newspaper, magazine, journal, encyclopedia, etc.
An object, a member of a group or class.
(grammar) A part of speech that indicates, specifies and limits a noun (a, an, or the in English). In some languages the article may appear as an ending (e.g. definite article in Swedish) or there may be none (e.g. Russian, Pashto).
A section of a legal document, bylaws, etc. or, in the plural, the entire document seen as a collection of these.
Short for genuine article. (Can we add an example for this sense?)
A part or segment of something joined to other parts, or, in combination, forming a structured set.
(derogatory, dated) A person; an individual.
(obsolete, slang) A wench.
(dated) Subject matter; concern.
(dated) A distinct part.
(obsolete) A precise point in time; a moment.
Examples
Although there are dozens of different types of gems, among the best known and most important are […] .
an article of clothing
There were many wooden chairs for the bulk of his visitors, and two wicker armchairs with red cloth cushions for superior people. From the packing-cases had emerged some Indian clubs, […], and all these articles […] made a scattered and untidy decoration that Mrs. Clough assiduously dusted and greatly cherished.
‘A song called “Freak Like Me” by the Sugababes,’ said Jesse.‘Just Sugababes, no article,’ the man said, enjoying the stunned reaction on Jesse’s face.
The Articles of War are a set of regulations […] to govern the conduct of […] military […] forces
Each of the chelicerae is composed of two articles, forming a powerful pincer.
upon each article of human duty
the different articles which compose the blood
a shrewd article
"You dateless article," stormed his father, leaving Bennett to realise in his laconic way that he was, and probably always would be, a disappointment to Dad.
She's a prime article, a devilish good piece, a hell of a goer.
a very great revolution that happened in this article of good breedingThe spelling has been modernized.
The spelling has been modernized.
This last article perhaps will hardly be believed.
This fatal news coming to Hick's Hall upon the article of my Lord Russell's trial, was said to have had no little influence on the jury and all the bench to his prejudice.
[…] who has more opportunities of acquiring the knowledge, than a physician? He is admitted into the dwellings of all ranks of people, and into the innermost parts of them; he sees them by their fireside, at their tables, and in their beds; he sees them at work, and at their recreations; he sees them in health, in sickness, and in the article of death; […]
each article of time
Related words
related terms
articulate
articulation
verb
article (third-person singular simple present articles, present participle articling, simple past and past participle articled)
(transitive) To bind by articles of apprenticeship.
(obsolete) To accuse or charge by an exhibition of articles or accusations.
To formulate in articles; to set forth in distinct particulars.
Examples
to article an apprentice to a mechanic
When the boy left school at Liskeard, he was articled to a lawyer, Mr. Jacobson, at Plymouth, a wealthy man in good practice, first cousin to his mother; but this sort of profession did not at all approve itself to Robert's taste, and he only remained with Mr. Jacobson a few months.
After educational training at Hayes Grammar School and Hayes College, Mr. Nokes was articled to a Surveyor and Land Agent in 1885, and, at the expiration of his articles, became a partner in the firm.
At noon dined alone with Sir W. Batten, where great discourse of Sir W. Pen, Sir W. Batten being, I perceive, quite out of love with him, thinking him too great and too high, and began to talk that the world do question his courage, upon which I told him plainly I have been told that he was articled against for it, and that Sir H. Vane was his great friend therein.
[…] if the Captain of any Merchant ship under convoy shall wilfully disobey Signals […] he shall be liable to be articled against in the High Court of Admiralty […]
If […] all his errors and follies were articled against him, the man would seem vicious and miserable.