its

1. 1
   of a thingdeterminer

   Belonging to a thing or animal already mentioned.

   The dog wagged its tail.

   The company changed its name last year.

   UsageWrite its with no apostrophe here: its tail (not incorrect: it's tail). It's means 'it is' or 'it has'.

   Note
2. 2
   it iscontractionobsoletecontraction

   An old spelling of it's, meaning 'it is', without the apostrophe.

   The Fleſh of man, becauſe its Nouriſhed by purer Blood, is delicater than the fleſh of other Creatures, and prefered before it by Canibals, or Man-Eaters.

   1665, Johannes Riolanus, “The Division of Mans Body”Here, its is an old spelling of it's, meaning it is.

   Note
3. 3
   used alonepronoun

   The thing that belongs to it, used with no noun after it.

   EBay Canada argued in court that the data sought by tax collectors was not its to give.

   2007, Ian Austen, “Canadian Court Opens Up eBay Data to Tax Agency”

   UsageThis can sound stiff. People often say its own instead: its own decision.

   Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 4