nonrestrictive clause

noun

: a descriptive clause that is not essential to the definiteness of the meaning of the word it modifies (such as who is retired in "my father, who is retired, does volunteer work")

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonrestrictive clause was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near nonrestrictive clause

Cite this Entry

“Nonrestrictive clause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonrestrictive%20clause. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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