off-limits

adjective

off-lim·​its ˈȯf-ˈli-məts How to pronounce off-limits (audio)
Synonyms of off-limitsnext
: not to be entered or patronized especially by a designated class of people
Certain areas of the museum are off-limits to visitors.
also : not to be interfered with, considered, or spoken of
The subject of politics was off-limits in her family.

Examples of off-limits in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No subject was ever off-limits. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 Chernobyl is likely to remain off-limits for generations — too dangerous for people, yet full of life. Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026 Designating the formal rooms as off-limits is much like storing the fine china out of sight and out of use. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026 With stadium lots off-limits to fan parking, passes for parking at a mall located in the same complex are selling for $225. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for off-limits

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-limits was in 1945

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Cite this Entry

“Off-limits.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-limits. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

off-limits

adjective
ˈȯ-ˈflim-əts
1
: not to be entered or used by a certain group of people
2
: not to be discussed or considered
questions about my salary are off-limits

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