demarcation

American  

[dee-mahr-key-shuhn] / ˌdi mɑrˈkeɪ ʃən /

Or demarkation

noun

1. the determining and marking off of the boundaries of something.

2. separation by distinct boundaries.

   line of demarcation.

---

demarcation British  

/ ˌdiːmɑːˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of establishing limits or boundaries

2. a limit or boundary

3. 1. a strict separation of the kinds of work performed by members of different trade unions

   2. ( as modifier )

      demarcation dispute

4. 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; mark ¹, -ation

Example Sentences

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

It comes as thousands have protested at the UN's annual climate conference, with some carrying signs reading "demarcation now".

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025

In hindsight, the demarcation line couldn’t have been more clear.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2025

First, because each stage grows out of some previous stage, the lines of demarcation are inevitably arbitrary.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• delimitation
• separation