lim·bo | \ ˈlim-(ˌ)bō 
\
\ plural limbos
Definition of limbo
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 often capitalized : an abode of souls that are according to Roman Catholic theology barred from heaven because of not having received Christian baptism
2a : a place or state of restraint or confinement
trapping travelers in an airless limbo— Sam Boal
b : a place or state of neglect or oblivion
proposals kept in limbo
c : an intermediate or transitional place or state
the adolescent occupies a special human limbo — New Republic
d : a state of uncertainty
The graduate was in limbo for a while, trying to decide what to do next.
limbo
noun (2) plural limbos
Definition of limbo (Entry 2 of 2)
: a dance or contest that involves bending over backwards and passing under a horizontal pole lowered slightly for each successive pass
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on limbo
What made you want to look up limbo? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Namesakes Word Quiz
- Which of the following is a fruit named after a Moroccan seaport?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share limbo
Time Traveler for limbo
The first known use of limbo was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century