Object: meaning, definitions and examples

💡
Add to dictionary

object

 

[ ˈɒb.dʒɪkt ]

Context #1 | Noun

in programming

A data structure that contains data and functions to manipulate that data.

Synonyms

element, entity, instance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
object

Used when referring to a physical or non-physical thing that can be perceived by the senses or the mind. Often used in everyday language to talk about things around us.

  • She placed the object on the table.
  • What's that shiny object in the sky?
instance

Used to indicate a specific occurrence or example of something, often in discussing cases or examples within a larger category.

  • There was an instance of kindness that stood out in my mind.
  • In this instance, we'll make an exception.
entity

Used to refer to something that exists as a single, separate, and self-contained unit, often in formal, legal, or business contexts.

  • The company was recognized as a legal entity.
  • Each character in the story is a distinct entity.
element

Used when talking about a fundamental or essential part of something larger, often in scientific or technical contexts.

  • Hydrogen is a chemical element.
  • Trust is an important element in a relationship.

Examples of usage

  • JavaScript objects are used to store key-value pairs.
  • In object-oriented programming, objects are instances of classes.

Translations

Translations of the word "object" in other languages:

🇵🇹 objeto

🇮🇳 वस्तु

🇩🇪 Objekt

🇮🇩 objek

🇺🇦 об'єкт

🇵🇱 obiekt

🇯🇵 オブジェクト

🇫🇷 objet

🇪🇸 objeto

🇹🇷 nesne

🇰🇷 객체

🇸🇦 كائن

🇨🇿 objekt

🇸🇰 objekt

🇨🇳 对象

🇸🇮 objekt

🇮🇸 hlutur

🇰🇿 нысан

🇬🇪 ობიექტი

🇦🇿 obyekt

🇲🇽 objeto

Etymology

The word 'object' originated from the Latin word 'objectum', meaning 'thing thrown before', which was derived from the verb 'objicere', meaning 'to throw or present'. The concept of an object in programming dates back to the 1960s with the development of object-oriented programming languages like Simula and Smalltalk. Objects play a central role in modern programming paradigms, enabling encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.

See also: objectification, objectify, objection, objectionable, objective, objectively, objectivity, objector, unobjectionable.

Word Frequency Rank

At #712 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.