# typeof Operator

An operator that returns a string describing a value's basic type.

## What does **typeof Operator** do in JavaScript?

**typeof Operator** — An operator that returns a string describing a value's basic type.

```javascript
const item = "tea";
const itemType = typeof item;
```

Level: Novice · [More JavaScript terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/javascript/novice)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/typeof-operator