feature Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a prominent attribute or aspect of something
    characteristic.
    • the map showed roads and other features
    • generosity is one of his best characteristics
  2. noun the characteristic parts of a person's face: eyes and nose and mouth and chin
    lineament.
    • an expression of pleasure crossed his features
    • his lineaments were very regular
  3. noun the principal (full-length) film in a program at a movie theater
    feature film.
    • the feature tonight is `Casablanca'
  4. noun a special or prominent article in a newspaper or magazine
    feature article.
    • they ran a feature on retirement planning
  5. noun (linguistics) a distinctive characteristic of a linguistic unit that serves to distinguish it from other units of the same kind
    feature of speech.
  6. noun an article of merchandise that is displayed or advertised more than other articles
  7. verb have as a feature
    have.
    • This restaurant features the most famous chefs in France
  8. verb wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner
    sport; boast.
    • she was sporting a new hat

WordNet

Fea"ture noun
Etymology
OE. feture form, shape, feature, OF. faiture fashion, make, fr. L. factura a making, formation, fr. facere, factum, to make. See Feat, Fact, and cf. Facture.
Definitions
  1. The make, form, or outward appearance of a person; the whole turn or style of the body; esp., good appearance.
    What needeth it his feature to descrive? Chaucer.
    Cheated of feature by dissembling nature. Shak.
  2. The make, cast, or appearance of the human face, and especially of any single part of the face; a lineament. (pl.) The face, the countenance.
    It is for homely features to keep home. Milton.
  3. The cast or structure of anything, or of any part of a thing, as of a landscape, a picture, a treaty, or an essay; any marked peculiarity or characteristic; as, one of the features of the landscape.
    And to her service bind each living creature Through secret understanding of their feature. Spenser.
  4. A form; a shape. R.
    So scented the grim feature, and upturned His nostril wide into the murky air. Milton.

Webster 1913