boundary

noun

bound·​ary ˈbau̇n-d(ə-)rē 

plural boundaries

: something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent

Those two trees mark the boundary of our property.

the mountain range that forms the country's northern boundary

boundaryless

ˈbau̇n-d(ə-)rē-ləs 

adjective

boundarylessness noun

Synonyms

• bound
• cap
• ceiling
• confines
• end
• extent
• limit
• limitation
• line
• termination

Examples of boundary in a Sentence

Those two trees mark the boundary of our property.

The river forms the country's western boundary.

at the boundary between fact and fiction

You need to set boundaries with your children.

Did he violate the boundaries of the doctor-patient relationship?

Recent Examples on the Web

And be safe, of course -- a paper shredder can help prevent sensitive information making it beyond the boundaries of your workspace and save you a headache in the future. —Kelsey Chapman, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2024

In this era of fashion, designers and brands are embracing risk-taking and innovation, transcending conventional boundaries. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 23 Apr. 2024

Chicken, in its simplicity and versatility, crosses cultural boundaries and brings people together in a way few other foods can. —Amber Turpin, The Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2024

Perfume’s ability to leave an impression helps explain why the fragrance space is booming, with new olfactory concepts and dedicated influencers pushing perfume past any previous boundaries. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2024

This four-dimensional blob had a three-dimensional boundary, just as a three-dimensional object like a ball has a two-dimensional boundary. —Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024

While the original Notebook is primarily framed as an epic love story spanning the boundaries of space and time, the musical has been transmogrified into something quieter, smaller, and arguably more devastating. —Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2024

The firm's reach extends globally, welcoming founders pushing the boundaries of technology regardless of their location. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024

Former President Donald Trump arrived at court on Monday, April 15, for the start of his first criminal trial, a milestone moment in American politics that will test the boundaries of the United States justice system. —Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

bound entry 6 + -ary entry 1

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing boundary

• boundary layer
• K-T boundary

Kids Definition

boundary

noun

bound·​ary ˈbau̇n-d(ə-)rē 

plural boundaries

: something that points out or shows a limit or end : dividing line

Legal Definition

boundary

noun

bound·​ary

plural boundaries

: a theoretical line that marks the limit of an area of land