out-of-bounds

[ out-uhv-boundz ]

adjective

1. Sports. being beyond or passing the limits or boundaries of a field, course, etc., marking the area within which the ball, puck, or the like is legally in play.
2. beyond any established boundaries or prescribed limits; forbidden; prohibited.
3. further than or beyond established limits, as of behavior or thought.

out of bounds

adjective

1. often foll by to not to be entered (by); barred (to)

   out of bounds to civilians

2. outside specified or prescribed limits

Word History and Origins

Origin of out-of-bounds¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Idioms and Phrases

Beyond established limits, breaking the rules, unreasonable. For example, Calling the teacher a liar—that's out of bounds . This expression alludes to the boundaries of the playing area in numerous sports and to the rules applying to them. Its figurative use dates from the 1940s. [Early 1800s] Also see within bounds .

Example Sentences

The most impressive might have belonged to guard Skyy Clark, who dove into the broadcaster’s table near midcourt to save his steal from going out of bounds.

From Los Angeles Times

Koch punted six times to Brown in that match, forcing four fair catches, with the other two punts being left alone to roll out of bounds.

From BBC

The Chargers needed to watch a late onside kick attempt swirl out of bounds to avoid disaster in a game they led by 23 points.

From Los Angeles Times

“Obviously, one I wish I had back and could step through it a little bit more or something to even to sail it out of bounds and keep us alive,” Stafford said.

From Los Angeles Times

The lines that mark the perimeter of the court differentiate between in bounds and out of bounds.

From Los Angeles Times