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

Atlanta committed multiple turnovers in the second quarter, including offensive fouls and costly out-of-bounds errors, while struggling to capitalize at the free-throw line. —Christopher Harris, CBS News, 4 May 2026

Richards had made disparaging comments about women’s bodies and out-of-bounds discourse on Jewish and Asian people as well as little people and the mentally disabled. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026

This latest out-of-bounds Patriots hijinks follows a dust up with players getting out of control in late January at a Boston restaurant hangout, where an after-hours bash allegedly featured drinking, hookah, weed, and naked dancers and landed before the city’s Licensing Board. —Staff and Wire Reports, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026

His first tee shot was out-of-bounds on the right. —ABC News, 16 Apr. 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