feature

1 of 2

noun

fea·​ture ˈfē-chər 

1

a

: the structure, form, or appearance especially of a person

a man of large feature

b

obsolete : physical beauty

2

a

: the makeup or appearance of the face or its parts

stern of feature even when he smiled

b

: a part of the face : lineament

a person with Asian features

3

a

: a prominent part or characteristic

Pine trees were a feature of the landscape.

b

: any of the properties (such as voice or gender) that are characteristic of a grammatical element (such as a phoneme or morpheme)

especially : one that is distinctive

4

: a special attraction: such as

a

: a featured motion picture

b

: a featured article, story, or department in a newspaper or magazine

An account of the fire was the feature in the Sunday newspaper.

c

: something offered to the public or advertised as particularly attractive

one of the car's most popular features

featureless

ˈfē-chər-ləs 

adjective

feature

2 of 2

verb

featured; featuring ˈfē-chər-iŋ 

ˈfēch-riŋ

transitive verb

1

chiefly dialectal : to resemble in features

2

: to picture or portray in the mind : imagine

3

a

: to give special prominence to

the exhibit features local artists

b

: to have as a characteristic or feature

a menu featuring many options

intransitive verb

: to play an important part

Synonyms

Noun

• affection
• attribute
• attribution
• character
• characteristic
• criterion
• diagnostic
• differentia
• fingerprint
• hallmark
• mark
• marker
• note
• particularity
• peculiarity
• point
• property
• quality
• specific
• stamp
• touch
• trait

Verb

• accent
• accentuate
• emphasize
• foreground
• highlight
• illuminate
• play up
• point (up)
• press
• punctuate
• stress

Examples of feature in a Sentence

Noun

This year's models include several new safety features.

This camera has several features that make it easy to use.

The car has some interesting new design features.

His plan combines the best features of the earlier proposals.

Her eyes are her best feature.

Tonight's feature is a new romantic comedy.

He starred in his first feature film a year ago.

Verb

The building features a state-of-the-art security system.

The new menu features several low-fat entrees.

The show now features a new singer.

The evening news report featured the story of the murder.

The newspaper featured health care on its front page.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Filled with a blend of down and feathers, this ultra-warm coat is a bold option for taking on the dropping temperatures in style, and with a multitude of thoughtful features, it’s guaranteed to become your go-to for traveling. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2025

This is a cool feature of Bitcoin that was there from the beginning. —Korok Ray, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Verb

The photo shared from the vice president’s official social media accounts on Saturday featured the three Democrats the most prominently. —Neil Vigdor, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2025

Shoppers swear by the Better Homes & Gardens Three-Piece Cozy Knit Comforter Set, which is fluffy, oversized, and features a fleece-like knit and medium-weight feel. —Shea Simmons, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English feture, from Anglo-French, from Latin factura act of making, from factus, past participle of facere to make — more at do

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1755, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing feature

• co-feature
• double feature
• feature in
• feature-length
• identifying mark/feature

Kids Definition

feature

1 of 2 noun

fea·​ture ˈfē-chər 

1

a

: the shape or appearance of the face

b

: a single part of the face (as the nose or the mouth)

2

: a part or detail that stands out

3

a

: the principal motion picture on a program

b

: a special column or section in a newspaper or magazine

featureless

-ləs 

adjective

feature

2 of 2 verb

featured; featuring ˈfēch-(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to play an important part

2

a

: to have as a feature

a menu featuring seafood

b

: to give special prominence to

Medical Definition

feature

noun

fea·​ture ˈfē-chər 

1

: the structure, form, or appearance especially of a person

2

a

: the makeup or appearance of the face or its parts

b

: a part of the face