An article is a word that comes before a noun to show whether its specific or general. It is a part of speech that is used to indicate that a noun is a noun without describing it. Articles can also modify anything that acts as a noun, such as a pronoun or a noun phrase. There are two types of articles: definite and indefinite. The definite article is "the," which refers to something specific, while the indefinite article is "a" or "an," which refers to something general. The word "a" is used when it precedes a word that begins with a consonant, while "an" is used when it precedes a word that begins with a vowel. Articles are important in English grammar because they show the reader or listener whether the noun being referred to is specific or general.

In addition to being a part of speech, "article" can also refer to a distinct often numbered section of a writing, a separate clause, a stipulation in a document, or a nonfictional prose composition usually forming an independent part of a publication. It can also refer to an individual object, member, or portion of a class. Finally, "article" can be used as a verb to mean "to bind by articles (as of apprenticeship)".

Examples of articles in sentences include:

• The zoo has an elephant enclosure.
• I have a younger brother and an older sister.
• The ancient Romans built the Coliseum.
• I just read an interesting article on the citys early history.
• She has written articles for several womens magazines.

Overall, "article" can refer to a part of speech used to indicate whether a noun is specific or general, as well as a distinct section of a writing, an individual object, or a verb meaning "to bind by articles."