Definition: An article that makes a noun refer to a particular item or items of its class. The definite articles are "the" in English and el, la, los and las in Spanish. The Spanish el also can be part of a contraction: "a + el" forms the contraction al.
Note that Spanish and English have different rules as to when a definite article is needed or can be omitted. In general, Spanish often uses a definite article in cases where English does not.
Also Known As: Artículo definido in Spanish.
Examples: Definite articles are in boldface: The man went to Havana. (El hombre fue a la Havana.) The computers aren't working. (Las computadoras no funcionan.) Mr. Brown is rich. (El señor Brown es rico.) The dog that barks doesn't bite. (Perro que ladra no muerde.)
