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

Drivers who are photographed going 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit will have a 60-day grace period before they’re fined.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

SYDNEY—Australia’s economy grew strongly in the final quarter of last year at a pace that’s considered by most economists to be well above its natural speed limit, stoking the case for higher interest rates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 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

Until very recently, the economy’s upper speed limit was generally seen to be around 1.8%.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026

Jamie laughs at how I go exactly the speed limit and not one mile per hour over.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman