In grammar, the direct object of a transitive verb is the noun group which refers to someone or something directly affected by or involved in the action performed by the subject. For example, in `I saw him yesterday', `him' is the direct object. Compare indirect object. = object. A word or phrase in a sentence referring to the person or thing receiving the action of a transitive verb. For example, in English, in mail the letter and call him, letter and him are direct objects. in grammar, the person or thing that is affected by the action of a transitive verb, for example 'Mary' in the statement 'I saw Mary' indirect object