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Synonyms

three-mile limit

American  
[three-mahyl lim-it] / ˈθriˌmaɪl ˈlɪm ɪt /

noun

International Law.
  1. the limit of the territorial waters of 3 miles (4.8 km), which is included within the jurisdiction of the state or nation possessing the coast.


three-mile limit British  

noun

  1. international law the range of a nation's territorial waters, extending to three nautical miles from shore

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of three-mile limit

First recorded in 1890–95

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.

“There was no privacy in Hollywood. But when they got on the water and beyond the three-mile limit, out there, they could drop all the pretense and be their authentic selves.”

From New York Times

While some states asserted broader maritime claims, the three-mile limit was widely accepted in Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal

If the field stretches beyond the three-mile limit of state waters, Caelus would need a federal lease to tap those reserves.

From Washington Post

Parents said Talgarth was right on the three-mile limit and some of its children travelled for free, while about 23 had to pay.

From BBC

Although they could not see the tug, she might have reached the port, and they must pass the three-mile limit before they would be safe.

From Project Gutenberg