restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən How to pronounce restriction (audio)
1
: something that restricts: such as
a
: a regulation that restricts or restrains
restrictions for hunters
b
: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility
2
: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Examples of restriction in a Sentence

Building in that area came with some restrictions. They placed restrictions on smoking indoors. They will lift export restrictions. illegal restriction of free speech
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Russia's federal air transport agency, Rosaviatsiya, also introduced temporary flight restrictions at the airport in the early hours of Tuesday. David Brennan, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025 Already, one board supervisor suggested a default restriction on certain books for kids unless their parents opt out. Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025 But the most promising approach seems to be extreme calorie restriction, which could certainly make life seem longer. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025 This includes some restrictions on shipping technology to adversarial countries and avoidance of anything deemed woke by the current administration. Jim McGregor, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restriction

Word History

Etymology

Middle English restriccioun, from Anglo-French restriction, from Late Latin restriction-, restrictio, from Latin restringere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of restriction was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restriction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restriction. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

restriction

noun
re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən How to pronounce restriction (audio)
1
: something (as a law or rule) that restricts
2
: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Medical Definition

restriction

noun
re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən How to pronounce restriction (audio)
often attributive
: the breaking of double-stranded DNA into fragments by restriction enzymes
restriction sites

Legal Definition

restriction

noun
re·​stric·​tion
1
: something that restricts: as
a
: a regulation that restricts or restrains
b
: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility
2
a
: an act of restricting
b
: the state of being restricted

More from Merriam-Webster on restriction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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