taboo
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.”
How to use taboo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething people avoid talking about or doing because it feels culturally off-limits, not because a law bans it.
Word forms
more taboo comparative, tabooed past tense, taboos plural, taboos singular, most taboo superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for taboo
See all rhymes for taboo →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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