plural no-no's or no-nos
1
: something unacceptable or forbidden
2

Examples of no-no in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Placing any symbol of career achievement or good fortune in the bathroom is generally a feng shui no-no. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 He’s been quiet for years–which is a big no-no for many in the pop world–and before that, some of his latest offerings underperformed. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 An authority on the English language has set us free from the tethers of what many have long regarded as a grammatical no-no. Emma Bowman, NPR, 27 Feb. 2024 This one might seem obvious, but items that can topple, anything low made out of glass, or pieces with sharp corners are a big no-no with a munchkin running around. Ariel Okin, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2024 The syrup is high in sugar, which is a major no-no for dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2024 But being glued to your screen at a networking event is a no-no. Ginny Hogan, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Starting such a platform without telling the principal is a no-no and the upset administration confronts Hazel abut her hasty and perhaps unethical decisions. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2024 Patches prevent you from picking at or squeezing the blister, which is a major no-no. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'no-no.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of no-no was circa 1942

Dictionary Entries Near no-no

Cite this Entry

“No-no.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-no. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

no-no

noun
ˈnō-ˌnō
plural no-no's or no-nos
: something that is unacceptable or forbidden

More from Merriam-Webster on no-no

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