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• out-of-bounds
  out-of-bounds

  adjective

  being beyond or passing the limits or boundaries of a field, course, etc., marking the area within which the ball, puck, or the like is legally in play.
• out of bounds
  out of bounds

  adjective

  (often foll by to) not to be entered (by); barred (to)

out-of-bounds

American  

[out-uhv-boundz] / ˈaʊt əvˈbaʊndz /

adjective

1. Sports. being beyond or passing the limits or boundaries of a field, course, etc., marking the area within which the ball, puck, or the like is legally in play.

2. beyond any established boundaries or prescribed limits; forbidden; prohibited.

3. further than or beyond established limits, as of behavior or thought.

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out of bounds British  

adjective

1. (often foll by to) not to be entered (by); barred (to)

   out of bounds to civilians

2. outside specified or prescribed limits

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out of bounds Idioms  

1. Beyond established limits, breaking the rules, unreasonable. For example, Calling the teacher a liar—that's out of bounds. This expression alludes to the boundaries of the playing area in numerous sports and to the rules applying to them. Its figurative use dates from the 1940s. [Early 1800s] Also see within bounds.

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Etymology

Origin of out-of-bounds

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

You can slow cook a 20-pound turkey waiting for NBA replay to resolve a contested out-of-bounds play.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026

Her degree also relied on specialist equipment, such as cameras and lighting, which could usually be rented through the university but was also out-of-bounds during Covid.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

And he’s already planning for some new out-of-bounds plays trying to take advantage of Millogo’s height.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2025

Official Alex Billeter waved off the score, ruling the ball was out-of-bounds when attacker Kyra Carusa got a touch on it at the end line to send an assist into the box.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2024

“You, Potter, and Weasley are out-of-bounds, in the company of a convicted murderer and a werewolf. For once in your life, hold your tongue.”

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling