demarcation
Americannoun
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the determining and marking off of the boundaries of something.
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separation by distinct boundaries.
line of demarcation.
noun
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the act of establishing limits or boundaries
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a limit or boundary
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a strict separation of the kinds of work performed by members of different trade unions
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( as modifier )
demarcation dispute
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separation or distinction (often in the phrase line of demarcation )
Etymology
Origin of demarcation
1720–30; Latinization of Spanish demarcación (in linea de demarcación line of demarcation, dividing the world between Spain and Portugal) derivative of demarcar to mark out the bounds of, equivalent to de- de- + marcar < Italian marcare < Germanic; see mark 1, -ation
Explanation
A demarcation is a line, boundary, or other conceptual separation between things. Geographically, a demarcation might be the border that separates two countries or the river that divides two regions. Demarcation comes from the German word for mark. Although it's often used as a term regarding geographical borders and boundaries, it can also be used to describe lines between categories or groups. For example, a definite demarcation exists between people who love the Boston Red Sox and those who love the New York Yankees.
Vocabulary lists containing demarcation
Human Geography - Middle School
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Human Geography - High School
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Political Geography - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The demarcation of what counts as misfortune on such sites is arbitrary, murky and movable, ultimately guaranteeing proxy bets that skirt regulatory requirements.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
Bangkok has said previously that meetings to discuss border surveying and demarcation may need to be held by Thailand's next government, following elections scheduled for February 8.
From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026
The dispute over the exact demarcation of the two countries’ border has its origins in a 1909 map drawn up by Cambodia’s then colonial power France that was later disputed by Thailand.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025
The source pointed to the demarcation line between North and South Korea, where a ceasefire had lasted for years with a powerfully armed, allied American deployment serving as a signal to North Korea.
From BBC • Sep. 4, 2025
Beyond the reach of the water the barrens instantly commence; the line of demarcation is sharp enough to cross with a step.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
