Definition of limbo
limbos
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 Boalb : a place or state of neglect or oblivion proposals kept in limboc : an intermediate or transitional place or state the adolescent occupies a special human limbo — New Republicd : a state of uncertainty The graduate was in limbo for a while, trying to decide what to do next.
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of limbo
Middle English, from Medieval Latin, ablative of limbus limbo, from Latin, border
First Known Use: 14th century
limbo
Definition of limbo
limbos
: a dance or contest that involves bending over backwards and passing under a horizontal pole lowered slightly for each successive pass
Origin and Etymology of limbo
English of Trinidad & Barbados; akin to Jamaican English limba to bend, from English 3limber
First Known Use: circa 1950
Learn More about limbo
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Spanish Central: Translation of limbo Nglish: Translation of limbo for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of limbo for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about limbo
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