CAUTIONARY definition: of the nature of or containing a warning. See examples of cautionary used in a sentence.

cautionary in American English (ˈkɔʃənˌɛri ) adjective urging caution or intended to warn; warning; admonishing

Definition of cautionary adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

The meaning of CAUTIONARY is of, relating to, or constituting a cautio or a caution. How to use cautionary in a sentence.

Dec 11, 2025 · cautionary (comparative more cautionary, superlative most cautionary) Serving to caution or warn; admonitory

CAUTIONARY definition: 1. giving a warning 2. giving a warning. Learn more.

Define cautionary. cautionary synonyms, cautionary pronunciation, cautionary translation, English dictionary definition of cautionary. adj. Giving or serving as a warning; admonitory: a cautionary tale; …

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the word cautionary, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

When something is cautionary, it’s meant to be a warning to you. Your parents might be fond of telling cautionary tales, like the one about the girl who got electrocuted sticking a knife into the toaster.

The story is a cautionary tale of what can happen when greed takes over.