out-of-bounds

adverb or adjective

ˌau̇t-ə(v)-ˈbau̇n(d)z 

: outside the prescribed or conventional boundaries or limits

If the Frisbee hits the ground or soars out-of-bounds, it changes hands.

—John Bowermaster

Only a few yards over the green are out-of-bounds markers.

—Jeff Gerth

Our slate is going to have edgier films that aren't exactly out-of-bounds for children, but that are really made for more sophisticated audiences.

—David Hochman

Examples of out-of-bounds in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Knicks then blew-up an out-of-bounds alley-oop designed for one of Victor Wembanyama or Stephon Castle, fans court side rushing the hardwood floors as Karl-Anthony Towns held his hands high in victory. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026

Anunoby — with nobody in his path — sprints from the out-of-bounds spot into the lane, just in case. —ABC News, 11 June 2026

So far, this AI detection has not been egregious or out-of-bounds. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

And on the next Spurs possession, an out-of-bounds call that should have gone their way — replays showed the ball went out off of Holmgren — did not. —Tim Reynolds, Twin Cities, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for out-of-bounds

• abounds
• backgrounds
• campgrounds
• confounds
• expounds
• fairgrounds
• foregrounds
• foxhounds
• greyhounds
• playgrounds
• propounds
• rebounds

Kids Definition

out-of-bounds

adverb or adjective

ˌau̇t-ə(v)-ˈbau̇n(d)z

: outside the limits of the playing area

the pass went out-of-bounds