demarcation
Americannoun
-
the determining and marking off of the boundaries of something.
-
separation by distinct boundaries.
line of demarcation.
noun
-
the act of establishing limits or boundaries
-
a limit or boundary
-
-
a strict separation of the kinds of work performed by members of different trade unions
-
( as modifier )
demarcation dispute
-
-
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Human Geography - High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Political Geography - High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
While the two nations agreed late last month to stop fighting, they still need to resolve the demarcation of their disputed border.
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
Some carried signs reading "demarcation now", calling for indigenous groups to be given legal ownership of their territories.
From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025
The easy demarcation line for Ohtani this year has been before and after he returned to pitching in mid-June, with offensive production dropping even as his stuff has ticked up on the mound.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025
Arrogant and proud to the end, less than one mile from the demarcation line, the SS-HJ passed in a final review before their commander.
From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
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.
