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.
On Monday, roughly five days into their mission, the toilet became off-limits for at least the third time. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 8 Apr. 2026 This means that schools, like churches and hospitals, have until recently been generally considered off-limits for immigration enforcement officers. Anindya Kundu, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2026 There's nothing off-limits in terms of [what could be] possibly contributing to pain, especially when that pain becomes chronic. Margaret Cirino, NPR, 4 Apr. 2026 Two years later the number remains in limbo; off-limits, but not officially so. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 3 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 15 Apr. 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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