speed limit

American  

noun

1. the maximum speed at which a vehicle is legally permitted to travel, as within a specific area, on a certain road, or under given conditions.

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speed limit British  

noun

1. the maximum permitted speed at which a vehicle may travel on certain roads

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Etymology

Origin of speed limit

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Gladiators presenter Barney Walsh has been handed a six-month driving ban after breaking a temporary 50mph speed limit on a motorway.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

The limited inflow of new workers means the economy’s speed limit is lower, she said, and the risk of a miscalculation—holding interest rates either too low or too high—is greater.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

The infractions occurred on Interstate 71 in Medina County, where the speed limit is 70 mph, and he paid fines of $267 and $287.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

Although the current measurements are capped at 140 picoseconds, the material's true speed limit may be even shorter.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

“Five miles over the speed limit is against the daggone law.”

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds