disciplinary

adjective

dis·​ci·​plin·​ary ˈdi-sə-plə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce disciplinary (audio)
especially British ˌdi-sə-ˈpli-nə-rē
Synonyms of disciplinarynext
1
a
: of or relating to discipline
disciplinary problems
b
: designed to correct or punish disobedient or defiant behavior
took disciplinary action
2
: of or relating to a particular field of study
academic disciplinary specialization
disciplinarily
ˌdi-sə-plə-ˈner-ə-lē How to pronounce disciplinary (audio)
adverb
disciplinarity
ˌdi-sə-plə-ˈner-ə-tē How to pronounce disciplinary (audio)
noun

Synonyms of disciplinary

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Examples of disciplinary in a Sentence

The committee is considering disciplinary measures against him. called for disciplinary actions in response to the outrageous behavior
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.
Both scandals spurred reforms by state lawmakers that nevertheless failed to streamline a complex disciplinary process and left gaps for troubled businesses to continue operating. — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 The 28-year-old’s injury history and poor disciplinary record would have worked against Spurs during negotiations. — Jay Harris, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026 Most schools use online portals where parents can track test scores and access grades, attendance records, assignments and disciplinary notices. — Rebecca L. Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026 Williams also committed 32 prison disciplinary violations, state corrections department records show. — Tim Hrenchir, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disciplinary

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin disciplīnārius, from Latin disciplīna "teaching, discipline entry 1" + -ārius -ary entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of disciplinary was in the 15th century

Rhymes for disciplinary

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Browse Nearby Words

disciplinarity
disciplinary
disciplinary barracks
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Cite this Entry

“Disciplinary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disciplinary. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

disciplinary

adjective
dis·​ci·​plin·​ary ˈdis-ə-plə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce disciplinary (audio)
: of or relating to discipline : corrective
take disciplinary action

More from Merriam-Webster on disciplinary

Nglish: Translation of disciplinary for Spanish Speakers

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