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

During practice, Jackson will occasionally pull Sheppard to the side to go over instructions during dead-ball and out-of-bounds situations, as well as during free throws. —Kelly Iko, New York Times, 12 July 2025

But players, for the most part, deftly avoided the watery out-of-bounds, a testament to their athletic prowess. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025

Earlier this month, men’s and women’s basketball added a coaches challenge and removed automatic replays for out-of-bounds calls in the final two minutes for the sake of game flow. —Chris Vannini, New York Times, 18 June 2025

The department did not respond to a request for more specifics on which areas are currently out-of-bounds. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025

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