possessive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the case expressing ownership
    genitive; possessive case; genitive case.
  2. adjective serving to express or indicate possession
    genitive.
    • possessive pronouns
    • the genitive endings
  3. adjective satellite desirous of owning
    • small children are so possessive they will not let others play with their toys
  4. adjective satellite having or showing a desire to control or dominate
    • a possessive parent

WordNet

Pos*sess"ive adjective
Etymology
L. possessivus: cf. F. possessif.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to possession; having or indicating possession.
Pos*sess"ive noun
Definitions
  1. (Gram.) The possessive case.
  2. (Gram.) A possessive pronoun, or a word in the possessive case.

Webster 1913