To save this word, you'll need to log in.
off-lim·its | \ ˈȯf-ˈli-məts 
\
\Definition of off-limits
: not to be entered or patronized by a designated class (such as military personnel) also : not to be interfered with, considered, or spoken of the subject of sex was off-limits in her family
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for off-limits
off-limits
adjectiveEnglish Language Learners Definition of off-limits
—used to say that people are not allowed to enter a place or use something —often + to
—used to say that people are not allowed to talk about something
See the full definition for off-limits in the English Language Learners Dictionary
off-limits
adjectiveoff-lim·its | \ ˈȯf-ˈli-məts \
Kids Definition of off-limits
: not to be entered or used
… we had to stay upstairs and the attic was off-limits.— Judy Blume, Sheila the Great
Comments on off-limits
What made you want to look up off-limits? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
May 2020 Words of the Day Quiz
- Which is a synonym of exiguous?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share off-limits
Time Traveler for off-limits
The first known use of off-limits was in 1945
See more words from the same year