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restrictive clause

noun

Definition of restrictive clause

: 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

 One producer insists that restrictive clauses will spark an inability to finance movies. — Tatiana Siegel, The Hollywood Reporter, "#MeToo Hits Movie Deals: Studios Race to Add 'Morality Clauses' to Contracts," 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, "Why Europeans Oppose the Russia Sanctions Bill," 16 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'restrictive clause.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of restrictive clause

circa 1895, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of restrictive clause was circa 1895

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