speed limit

noun

: the maximum or minimum speed permitted by law in a given area under specified circumstances

Examples of speed limit in a Sentence

The speed limit here is 55 mph. She got a ticket for breaking the speed limit.
Recent Examples on the Web Some countermeasures will involve lowering speed limits or changing roads’ engineering to slow drivers down. Sarah A. Miller, Idaho Statesman, 21 May 2024 Kim is accused of having alcohol and marijuana in his system when the dash cam on his 2021 Ford Mustang caught him running a red light and speeding from downtown Chicago to a suburban street that has a 35 mph speed limit. Pilar Arias, Fox News, 19 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for speed limit 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speed limit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of speed limit was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near speed limit

Cite this Entry

“Speed limit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speed%20limit. Accessed 30 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

speed limit

noun
: the highest or lowest speed allowed by law in a certain area

More from Merriam-Webster on speed limit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!