Phrase guide

in limine

adj · adv · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • UK: /ˌɪn ˈlɪmɪneɪ/

1

adj

Meaning 1

Of a motion, hearing, ruling, etc., pertaining to a request made at the start of a trial that the judge rule that certain evidence may not be introduced in a trial; most common in criminal trials where evidence is subject to constitutional limitations, such as statements made without Miranda warnings.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US

Topics: law

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adv

Meaning 2

At the beginning, as a preliminary matter; specifically, before a particular procedure or proceeding takes place.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, not-comparable

Topics: law

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Unadapted borrowing from Latin in līmine (literally “in the threshold”).