limbo

1 of 2

noun (1)

lim·​bo ˈlim-(ˌ)bō 

plural limbos

1

often Limbo : an abode of souls that are according to Roman Catholic theology barred from heaven because of not having received Christian baptism

2

a

: 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

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural limbos

: a dance or contest that involves bending over backwards and passing under a horizontal pole lowered slightly for each successive pass

Examples of limbo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

New owners run into the messy realities of unexpected occupants, legal complications and economic challenges that can keep the troubled parcels stuck in limbo and drag down surrounding neighborhoods. —Graham Womack may 18, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026

Charlotte’s vote on I-77S tolls The project remains in limbo. —Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026

In March 2025, as Cerebras’ first attempt at going public sat in limbo, CEO Andrew Feldman stood in front of a crowded room at the Glasshouse, a trendy party venue in downtown San Jose, California, raising a glass of champagne. —Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026

In the immediate aftermath of the ruling, election officials in Jackson and Ray counties said they were stuck in limbo. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, ablative of limbus limbo, from Latin, border

Noun (2)

English of Trinidad & Barbados; akin to Jamaican English limba to bend, from English limber entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1948, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing limbo

• gumbo-limbo
• in limbo

Kids Definition

limbo

1 of 2 noun

lim·​bo ˈlim-bō 

plural limbos

1

often capitalized : a place for souls (as of unbaptized infants) believed to be barred from heaven through no fault of their own

2

a

: a place or state of being held or forgotten

b

: a middle place or state

limbo

2 of 2 noun

: a dance or contest that involves bending backward and passing under a horizontal pole

Etymology

Noun

Middle English limbo "a place for souls," derived from Latin limbus (same meaning), from earlier limbus "border"

Noun

from the English of Trinidad and Barbados limbo "a dance that involves bending backwards under a pole," related to Jamaican English limba "to bend," from English limber "flexible"