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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No Cutting or Damaging Plants That Are For Sale Breaking off pieces from intact plants that are for sale is a big no-no. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025 But the Yankees’ last no-no in front of their home crowd remains David Cone’s perfect game against the Montreal Expos on July 18, 1999, at the old stadium. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025 To be a tall woman is to be a big woman, and to be big is to take up space, a cultural no-no for women of all sizes who are taught early on to cede space while men are encouraged to take up as much room as possible. Jane Smiley june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025 Freeways are a no-no for the Grom and its 125cc friends, but on city streets, the light weight, small wheels and zippy motor are highly entertaining, and the Grom is easy to ride. William Roberson, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for no-no

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

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Cite this Entry

“No-no.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-no. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

no-no

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

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