limit

noun lim·it \ ˈli-mət \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: limit in a Sentence

Definition of limit

1 a : something that bounds, restrains, or confines

the age limit for junior golf

b : the utmost extent

pushed her body to the limit

2 a : a geographic or political boundary

b limits plural : the place enclosed within a boundary : bounds

into the limits of the North they came
—John Milton

3 : limitation

the sadness is without limit
—William Shakespeare

4 : a determining feature or differentia in logic

5 : a prescribed maximum or minimum amount, quantity, or number: such as

a : the maximum quantity of game or fish that may be taken legally in a specified period

b : a maximum established for a gambling bet, raise, or payoff

6 a : a number whose numerical difference from a mathematical function is arbitrarily small for all values of the independent variables that are sufficiently close to but not equal to given prescribed numbers or that are sufficiently large positively or negatively

b : a number that for an infinite sequence of numbers is such that ultimately each of the remaining terms of the sequence differs from this number by less than any given positive amount

7 : something that is exasperating or intolerable

We've had bad weather, but this is the limit.

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limitless

play \ˈli-mət-ləs\ adjective

—

limitlessly

adverb

—

limitlessness

noun

See limit defined for English-language learners

See limit defined for kids

Examples of limit in a Sentence

He has reached the limit of his endurance.
In training, she pushed her body to its physical limits.
He tries to be creative within the limits of conventional journalism.
There are limits to what I can put up with from him!

Recent Examples of limit from the Web

With Villa's finances stretched to the limit and no Premier League windfall after a failed promotion bid, the threat of potential administration loomed over Villa Park.

— SI.com, "Aston Villa Facing Fresh Financial Problems as Sacked Chief Executive Takes Club to Court," 11 June 2018
After his stunner in Stockholm, the sky is the limit for long jumper Juan Miguel Echevarria.

— ken goe, OregonLive.com, "Fans at the Portland Track Festival saw excellent racing: Oregon track & field rundown," 11 June 2018
Gosling was about to find out why even professional astronauts stuck to the time limit.

— sarah midkiff, refinery29.com, "Ryan Gosling Learns Fake Space Travel Is As Dangerous As The Real Thing In New Movie," 9 June 2018
The only Democratic incumbent to agree to the limits is Auditor Suzanne Bump.

— steve leblanc, The Seattle Times, "Program may not curb disparity in campaign spending," 9 June 2018
Lied said Andrew likes to terminate points more quickly, and the sky is the limit for the youngest, Christopher.

— jr radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Triplets and a younger brother by 15 months compose entire Brookfield East singles lineup as tennis team preps for state," 5 June 2018
Those elected serve a four-year term, and there is a limit of two consecutive terms.

— gustavo solis, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Chula Vista tax hike takes early lead as primary results come in," 5 June 2018
Still, there is a limit to how much good the robots can do.

— angela chen, The Verge, "There’s no evidence that sex robots provide health benefits," 5 June 2018
But some gamers want to push their machines to the limit, and for those users HP added a new feature in the Omen Command Center.

— valentina palladino, Ars Technica, "HP Omen 15 laptop gets Nvidia Max-Q graphics, sleeker design with slim bezels," 30 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'limit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of limit

Middle English, from Anglo-French limite, from Latin limit-, limes boundary

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

limit Synonyms

Synonyms

bound, boundary, cap, ceiling, confines, end, extent, limitation, line, termination;

Related Words

extremity, fag end, terminus;

border, brim, edge, margin, rim, verge;

outside;

bar, barrier, fence, hedge, restraint, stop, wall;

limit

verb

Definition of limit

limited; limiting; limits

transitive verb

1 : to assign certain limits to : prescribe

reserved the right to limit use of the land

2 a : to restrict the bounds or limits of

the specialist can no longer limit himself to his specialty

b : to curtail or reduce in quantity or extent

we must limit the power of aggressors

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limitable

play \ˈli-mə-tə-bəl\ adjective

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limiter

noun

See limit defined for English-language learners

Examples of limit in a Sentence

We need to find ways to limit expenses.
He tried to limit the damage to his reputation by blaming other people.
A factor limiting our country's economic performance is its lack of resources.
Our lack of money limits our options.
Because of our lack of money, we have to limit ourselves to fewer options.

Recent Examples of limit from the Web

But again, that case only was limited to civil suits in federal court and did not address the question of bringing a similar case in state court.

— tessa berenson, Time, "Two Major Lawsuits Facing President Trump Hinge on This Constitutional Question," 14 June 2018
High numbers weren’t limited only to fringe pros like Gregory, though.

— dan gartland, SI.com, "Scott Gregory Shoots First-Round 92 at U.S. Open," 14 June 2018
Alcohol sales were limited to 2 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 2:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday in unincorporated parts of the county after the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted to do so in December.

— alex soderstrom, ajc, "Judge upholds reduced alcohol hours in Chamblee," 13 June 2018
In 1993, Orlando’s fine dining options were limited.

— lauren delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Christner's Prime Steak & Lobster celebrates 25 years," 13 June 2018
Customers are limited to one case each, and a four pack will run you $22.20.

— margeaux sippell, BostonGlobe.com, "Keytar Bear gets his own Trillium Keytar beer," 12 June 2018
Arizona cab data is limited, but the number of taxi trips from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport fell at least 18 percent after UberX and Lyft began picking up passengers.

— rebekah l. sanders, azcentral, "Uber and Lyft are making it harder for Arizona seniors to get around," 12 June 2018
Capacity for the official event venue will be limited, but the company said people would be able to gather in the broader area.

— phoebe wall howard, Detroit Free Press, "How to get into the Detroit train station party," 12 June 2018
Slots are limited to 10 minutes to allow for numerous individuals to participate.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Windham Edition," 12 June 2018

Origin and Etymology of limit

see ¹limit

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

limit Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of limit

limit, restrict, circumscribe, confine mean to set bounds for. limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

- visits are limited to 30 minutes

restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

- laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

- the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

- our choices were confined by finances

LIMIT Defined for English Language Learners

limit

noun

Definition of limit for English Language Learners

: a point beyond which it is not possible to go
: a point beyond which someone is not allowed to go
: an amount or number that is the highest or lowest allowed

limit

verb

Definition of limit for English Language Learners

: to stop or prevent an increase in (something) : to keep (something) from becoming greater
: to prevent (something) from being larger, longer, more, etc. : to place a limit on the size or extent of (something)
: to stop (someone) from having or doing more : to place a limit on (someone)