determiner

noun

de·ter·min·er di-ˈtər-mə-nər

: one that determines: such as

: gene

: a word (such as an article, possessive, demonstrative, or quantifier) that makes specific the denotation of a noun phrase

Examples of determiner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Good health is the determiner of hope and personal freedom. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 Exercise, a good diet and safe habits are some of the biggest determiners of both quality of life and life expectancy. — Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2024 But in the earthly order, utility—usefulness for man—is the main determiner of value. — Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 The algorithm is the great determiner of success and failure, and the people who are always trying to game its secrets tend, ultimately, to do the same things. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for determiner

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of determiner was circa 1530

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

determined

determiner

determinism

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Determiner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determiner. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

determiner

noun

de·ter·min·er di-ˈtər-mə-nər

: a word belonging to a group of noun modifiers that can occur before descriptive adjectives modifying the same noun

"the" in "the red house" is a determiner

Medical Definition

determiner

noun

de·ter·min·er -ˈtərm-(ə-)nər

: gene

determiner

noun

Examples of determiner in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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