articles

The word “articles” means a formal legal or contractual document setting out specific terms, often used of training agreements. In plain terms, the plural of "article" — often used for a formal document of terms, especially in law or apprenticeships.

“Articles” is pronounced AH-tih-kuhlz (/ˈɑɹtɪkəlz/ in IPA).

Here is “articles” used in a sentence: “She signed her articles with the law firm straight after graduating.”

“Articles” is a noun.

“Articles” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Articles are the separate, numbered clauses of a formal document, or the document itself made up of such terms. Familiar examples include articles of association, which govern a company, and articles of agreement. Each article sets out a specific term, condition, or rule that the parties agree to be bound by.

Being under articles means working under a formal training agreement that binds you to an employer for a fixed period while you qualify. The historic term 'articled clerk' described a trainee solicitor or accountant bound this way. The articles set out the duties, length, and terms of that apprenticeship.

A contract is any binding agreement between parties. Articles are a particular form of it — a document, or set of clauses within one, that lays out specific terms, often for membership, association, or training. All articles are contractual in nature, but 'articles' names the structured, clause-by-clause format.