How to Use no-no in a Sentence

no-no

noun
  • That’s a basic no-no in lacrosse, from the pee-wee leagues to the pros.
    Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2023
  • South Sudan turned the ball over 19 times, a big no-no as the U.S. thrives in the open floor.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 31 July 2024
  • But if a parent doesn't care if the line gets crossed – well, that's a no-no.
    Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
  • That seems to have been a no-no in the past, but CBS highlighted them.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 3 Feb. 2024
  • Another no-no is trying to go all the way down to the floor.
    Christa Sgobba, SELF, 18 Oct. 2024
  • That’s a big no-no, be prepared for a lot of rough looks [from people].
    Nate Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025
  • And the grass was synthetic, which was also a no-no for a World Cup.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • And the grass was synthetic, which was also a no-no for a World Cup.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Loose shoes — like, flip-flops ― are a no-no, and so is going barefoot.
    Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 2 May 2024
  • But being glued to your screen at a networking event is a no-no.
    Ginny Hogan, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
  • Nomo’s no-no in Coors Field is still one of the most spectacular feats by a pitcher.
    Evan Drellich, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • Rototilling won’t speed up soil warming and is still a no-no.
    Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 2 June 2023
  • That’s a no-no, usually a sign of a player’s near term decline.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Peanut oil is also a no-no as some guests may have allergies.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Secured area or no, pre-singing blank prescription forms is a no-no.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Today, this kind of wildlife encounter would be a big no-no for safety reasons.
    Christine Peterson, Wired News, 5 July 2025
  • Those rules, of course, are legendary, if unwritten: Cleavage is a no-no.
    Emily Zemler, Allure, 13 Dec. 2023
  • Leave the seashells on Sardinia’s seashore On the Italian island of Sardinia, beachcombing is a no-no.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Even picking up a call and having a conversation is a huge no-no.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • That’s typically a no-no, and a great way to shorten the life of cables, and even connections.
    PCMAG, 26 Jan. 2024
  • As for the use of Roundup or other glyphosate products to hit individual weeds, this, too, is a no-no.
    Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 27 Apr. 2023
  • Trekking, tent, or ski poles with visible cracks or discoloration are a no-no.
    Kelly Klein, Outside Online, 4 Feb. 2023
  • This is a no-no anywhere there are other people within earshot.
    Kurt Knutsson, Fox News, 12 Oct. 2023
  • Sale never flirted with a no-no, but lasted longer than Snell struck out one more batter than the Giants lefty.
    Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2024
  • What was once considered a style no-no in cold weather has now become a bold statement.
    René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 13 July 2025
  • The syrup is high in sugar, which is a major no-no for dogs, according to the American Kennel Club.
    USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2024
  • Eggs Leaving eggs in your car is a no-no in any weather conditions.
    Elissa Robinson, Detroit Free Press, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Just remember that polyester fiberfill and shredded foam are a no-no in a compost bin.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 16 Jan. 2026
  • In the same vein, abrasive cleaning materials are also a no-no.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
  • But flipping off Chiefs fans was a no-no.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Dec. 2025

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'no-no.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Last Updated: