boundary

noun

bound·​ary ˈbau̇n-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce boundary (audio)
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 adjective
boundarylessness noun

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 The county is partnering with Douglas County, the Kansas Department of Transportation, Olathe, Gardner, Edgerton and De Soto to explore connecting arterial roads that end at the boundary of the industrial park. Sarah Ritter, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024 Though, Bishop’s current district has different boundaries than the new ones because of maps drawn last year. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024 By the way, good for them for setting these boundaries and good for you for supporting them. Elaine Welteroth, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 Vivienne Westwood, who died in December 2022, has long been recognized as a vanguard of the fashion industry — pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable, even at times what was wearable, and using her platform to amplify discussions on climate change and over-consumption. Leah Dolan, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 The situation is stable, as long as no one oversteps the boundaries of a delicate agreement. Alma Guillermoprieto, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 Lydia Townsend, a service coordinator for Healing Hands who oversees more than 200 caregivers, including Ms. Poynter, said boundaries should be set to avoid any abuses of the system. Ted Alcorn Kaiti Sullivan, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 Job dissatisfaction and burnout are on the rise, with long hours and pervasive digital connectivity blurring the boundaries between work and personal life. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 As one of the most influential and outspoken voices in Latin music, Residente has consistently pushed the boundaries of Spanish-language rap. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'boundary.' 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

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of boundary was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near boundary

Cite this Entry

“Boundary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boundary. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

boundary

noun
bound·​ary ˈbau̇n-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce boundary (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on boundary

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