confined

adjective

con·​fined kən-ˈfīnd How to pronounce confined (audio)
1
: kept within confines: such as
a
: limited to a particular location
confined to bed
b
: held captive
confined prisoners
2
: very small
confined spaces
a confined compartment
3
dated : undergoing childbirth
In Scotland, the Countess of Athole, who was lying-in at Edinburgh Castle near the similarly confined Mary, Queen of Scots, is reported to have cast her own birth pangs onto a waiting-woman in the queen's chamber.Michael Olmert

Examples of confined in a Sentence

She gets uncomfortable in confined spaces. confined citizens have basic rights under that nation's constitution
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But even with this extensive network, there still is a need for improvements to address data gaps and enhance the representation of different aquifers, both in confined and unconfined conditions. Claire Marks, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Aug. 2024 In such confined, awkward sites, devised to hold a five-story house, what was important to him? David Netto, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2024 Hydrothermal explosions occur when hot water in a volcano system turns into steam in a confined area, Morgan wrote. Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 25 July 2024 One of Calhoun's first classified meetings involves something — or someone — locked away in a confined holding cell. Nick Romano, EW.com, 18 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for confined 

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of confine entry 2

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of confined was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near confined

Cite this Entry

“Confined.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confined. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

confined

adjective
con·​fined kən-ˈfīnd How to pronounce confined (audio)
: undergoing childbirth

More from Merriam-Webster on confined

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!