noun Uncommon

taboo

tuh-BOO

Taboo (noun) means a subject, word, or action that is avoided or forbidden because of strong social or cultural disapproval. Example: “Discussing salaries openly is still something of a taboo at the office.”

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noun

A subject, word, or action that is avoided or forbidden because of strong social or cultural disapproval.

"Discussing salaries openly is still something of a taboo at the office."

"Many cultures treat certain foods as taboo."

adj

Forbidden or avoided by social custom rather than by law.

"The topic of her divorce was taboo at family dinners."

How to use taboo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething people avoid talking about or doing because it feels culturally off-limits, not because a law bans it.

Common pairings

a social taboo break a taboo a taboo subject considered taboo

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Singular: taboos
Plural: taboos
Past tense: tabooed
Comparative: more taboo
Superlative: most taboo

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Discussing salaries openly is still something of a _____ at the office.

Etymology

Borrowed in the late 1700s from Tongan tapu, meaning "forbidden" or "sacred," picked up by European sailors visiting Polynesia.

· First attested 1700

Class of 1700 taboo joined the language around 1700.

ache argh battleship bootleg Boswell

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Synonyms

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tabu

Rhymes for taboo

oo too moo poo loo foo doo boo woo roo coo goo

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Frequently asked questions

What does “taboo” mean?

The word “taboo” means a subject, word, or action that is avoided or forbidden because of strong social or cultural disapproval. In plain terms, something people avoid talking about or doing because it feels culturally off-limits, not because a law bans it.

How do you pronounce “taboo”?

“Taboo” is pronounced tuh-BOO (/təˈbuː/ in IPA).

How do you use “taboo” in a sentence?

Here is “taboo” used in a sentence: “Discussing salaries openly is still something of a taboo at the office.”

What part of speech is “taboo”?

Depending on how it is used, “taboo” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “taboo” come from?

The word “taboo” dates back to around 1700. Borrowed in the late 1700s from Tongan tapu, meaning "forbidden" or "sacred," picked up by European sailors visiting Polynesia.

Is “taboo” a common word?

“Taboo” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “taboo” have?

“Taboo” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a subject, word, or action that is avoided or forbidden because of strong social or cultural disapproval.

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