restrictive clause

noun

: a descriptive clause that is essential to the definiteness of the word it modifies (such as that you ordered in "the book that you ordered is out of print")

Examples of restrictive clause in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Sardar Hukum Singh, a representative from East Punjab, went one step ahead and proposed that all the restrictive clauses of Article 13 should be done away with. Chitranshul Sinha, Quartz India, 29 Aug. 2019 One producer insists that restrictive clauses will spark an inability to finance movies. Tatiana Siegel, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2018 Europe has taken decisive measures to boost supply security: constructing additional interconnectors and LNG terminals, employing reverse flow capabilities, and eliminating restrictive clauses on ultimate destinations. Wolfgang Ischinger, WSJ, 16 July 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'restrictive clause.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of restrictive clause was circa 1895

Dictionary Entries Near restrictive clause

Cite this Entry

“Restrictive clause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restrictive%20clause. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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