In some places, they say that Array, Date and Object are built-in classes. However, I find that they can all be called without new which isn't supposed to be possible with classes.
And even though Map, Set, etc... can't be called without new. All of them will show something like function ItsName() { [native code] } while trying to get their definition while I would think a class is supposed to show something like class ItsName { [native code] }.
The most specific description for objects like Object, Array, etc. is "built-in constructor".
In short, section 4.4.12 built-in object annotates:
NOTE
Standard built-in objects are defined in this specification. An ECMAScript implementation may specify and supply additional kinds of built-in objects. A built-in constructor is a built-in object that is also a constructor.
Section 4 is non-normative, but the above note can be derived from the following:
Section 6.1.7.2 Object Internal Methods and Internal Slots: (Boldness applied by me)
... A function object is an object that supports the
[[Call]]internal method. A constructor is an object that supports the[[Construct]]internal method. Every object that supports[[Construct]]must support[[Call]]; that is, every constructor must be a function object. Therefore, a constructor may also be referred to as a constructor function or constructor function object.
This means, constructors are functions, and functions are objects.
Section 6.1.7.4 Well-Known Intrinsic Objects:
Well-known intrinsics are built-in objects (...).
And:
The well-known intrinsics are listed in Table 6.
With Table 6:
Point 2 lists several built-in objects like Array and Object. The table and the definitions in the corresponding links call these "constructors".
Point 1 explains that constructors are objects, so it is valid to say "built-in constructor" instead of "built-in objects", where applicable.
Here is a short summary of other interesting terms and definitions in the specification:
[[Call]] (which may or may not be exposed). (See 6.1.7.2 Table 5)[[Construct]] (commonly invoked with the new operator). (See 6.1.7.2 Table 5)prototype. (See 4.3.1)class syntax) return constructor functions that are uncallable (meaning they do not expose [[Call]]). (See 15.7.14)
new, and while it may be a little inelegant it makes sense. It's not clear what sort of behaviorMap()would have withoutnew. Note also thatSymbolrepresents a class of items, but it cannot be called withnew. In the end, these are things that the standards committee decides, and there's nothing we can do about it.new.