no-no

noun

ˈnō-ˌnō 

plural no-no's or no-nos

1

: something unacceptable or forbidden

2

: no-hitter

Examples of no-no in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Don’t Be Late Tardiness is an etiquette no-no that Southerners don’t tend to love in any circumstance, but book clubs are inherently about discussing and listening to each other. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026

Eala supporters flooded the main stadium this week during her matches waving Philippines flags, and sometimes even clapping for opponents missed serves (a tennis etiquette no-no). — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 2 Aug. 2026

On July 25, 2024, Cease tossed a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals, the third-most recent no-no in Major League Baseball. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

And while technique matters (dry shaving is a big no-no), your post-shower routine could also be partly to blame. — Emma-Jade Stoddart, Glamour, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for no-no

• kono
• mono
• ono
• phono

Kids Definition

no-no

noun

ˈnō-ˌnō

plural no-no's or no-nos

: something that is unacceptable or forbidden