object
Pluralobjects
Verbobjects, objecting, objected
Pluralobjects
Formsobjects, objecting, objected
- 1
- 2To say that you do not agree with something or someone.
Like saying "no, I don't agree" when someone suggests a plan.
Several neighbors object to the new parking rules.
If you object, please raise your hand now.
UsageSay object to something, or object to doing something.
- 3The person or thing that a feeling or attention is aimed at, as in an object of pity.
Like the person a love song is written about.
She quickly became the object of his affection.
The lost dog was the object of everyone's worry.
UsageSay the object of someone's love or anger.
- 4
- 5
- 6In computer programming, a single item built from a class, with its own data.
Like a single cookie made from one cookie-cutter shape.
The program creates a new object each time a user logs in.
Each object stores its own information separately.
Similarinstance
Note
Less common meanings
- 7The word or words that complete a verb or preposition, often the person or thing the action is done to.
Like the thing being acted on: in "throw the ball," the ball gets thrown.
In the sentence "Mia fed the cat," the object is "the cat."
The pronoun "her" acts as the object in that sentence.
Note
- 8In one branch of math, a basic point that arrows connect to others.
Like dots on a map joined by roads: the dots are the objects.
In this kind of math, each object connects to others through arrows.
A simple category might have just two objects.
Note
- 9To bring something forward as a charge or complaint against someone.
He 'gan to him object his heinous Crime,
1596, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie QueeneHere, object means bring forward as a charge, so accuse him of his crime.There are others who will object the poverty of the nation.
1708, Joseph Addison, The Present State of the WarHere, object means put forward as a reason against, such as the nation's poverty.Note
- 10To place or set one thing against another.
Pallas to their eyes / The mist objected, and condens'd the skies.
1725, Homer, The Odyssey of HomerHere, objected means put in the way, so the mist was set before their eyes.c. 1678, Richard Hooker, a sermon some strong impediment or other objecting itself
Here, objecting itself means placing itself in the way, as a barrier.Note
- 11The look or appearance of something as it is seen.
Note
Showing meanings only.
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of object apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
From Latin, made from parts meaning "against" and "throw," so "thrown against." It came into English through Old French.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 4 facts
- The word derives ultimately from Latin. en.wiktionary.org
- The Latin source combines parts meaning “against” and “throw.” en.wiktionary.org
- The Latin source literally means “thrown against.” en.wiktionary.org
- The word entered English through Old French. en.wiktionary.org