RESTRICTIVE definition: tending or serving to restrict. See examples of restrictive used in a sentence.

The meaning of RESTRICTIVE is of or relating to restriction. How to use restrictive in a sentence. Did you know?

RESTRICTIVE meaning: 1. limiting the freedom of someone or preventing something from growing: 2. limiting the freedom…. Learn more.

Define restrictive. restrictive synonyms, restrictive pronunciation, restrictive translation, English dictionary definition of restrictive. adj. 1. a. Of or relating to restriction. b. Tending or serving to …

Mar 28, 2026 · Adjective restrictive (comparative more restrictive, superlative most restrictive) Confining, limiting, containing within defined bounds.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024 re•stric•tive (ri strik′ tiv), adj. tending or serving to restrict. of the nature of a restriction. expressing or implying restriction …

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word restrictive, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

In the sentence “The book that you ordered is out of print,” “that you ordered” is a restrictive clause.

Of or relating to restriction. Restricting or tending to restrict; limiting. Restrictive regulations. Designating a modifier, as a word, phrase, or subordinate clause, that limits the reference of the word or phrase it …

Definition of restrictive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.