Taboo
One player describes the top word to their team - but can't say any of the five forbidden words below it. Get as many as you can before time runs out.
Round length
How to play Taboo
- 1Split into teams. One player is the 'clue giver' and holds the device so only they can see the card.
- 2Choose a round length and tap Start. The card shows a word to describe plus five forbidden words.
- 3Describe the top word to your team - but you may not say any of the forbidden words, or any part of them.
- 4When your team guesses correctly, tap 'Got it' for a point and move to the next card.
- 5If you slip and say a forbidden word, tap 'Taboo' to lose a point. Tap 'Skip' to pass on a hard card.
- 6When the timer runs out, note your score and pass the device to the next team.
Taboo is a fast, funny word-guessing game where the challenge isn't just describing a word - it's describing it without the most obvious words. Those forbidden words are exactly the ones you desperately want to use, which leads to a lot of frantic, creative, and hilarious clue-giving. It's a party favourite and a fantastic classroom vocabulary exercise.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play Taboo?＋
One player describes the target word to their team without saying any of the five forbidden words listed on the card. Correct guesses score points; using a forbidden word loses a point. Beat the timer for the highest score.
What counts as a foul?＋
Saying any forbidden word, part of a forbidden word, or the target word itself. Gestures and sound effects are usually banned too - agree on house rules with your group.
How many players do I need?＋
At least two teams of two, but it scales to big groups. One person on the guessing team should watch for fouls.
Can I change the round length?＋
Yes - pick 45, 60, or 90 seconds before you start. You can also end a round early at any time.