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

Then, with just 10 seconds remaining, a successful coach’s challenge from Chris Finch led to the officials overturning an out-of-bounds call on Edwards to a foul on James and free throws for Edwards. —Matias Grez, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025

Avoid shearing shrubs and perennials; remove out-of-bounds shoots with hand pruners. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025

Give climbing roses a light trimming to remove out-of-bounds portions after spring bloom. 30. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2025

There were just under three minutes left in the opening quarter of Game 1 at Madison Square Garden — a game the Knicks ultimately won, 123-112, behind a deflating 21-0 fourth-quarter run — and the Pistons were running a familiar play out of a sideline out-of-bounds. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 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