off-limits

adjective

off-lim·​its ˈȯf-ˈli-məts How to pronounce off-limits (audio)
: 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

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.
Immigration agents are trying to apprehend people in places long considered off-limits, like schools and places of worship. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025 Fruits, vegetables, meats, and other perishable items are generally off-limits. Leigh Morgan, Quartz, 2 June 2025 These areas include specific off-limits zones within 11 different parishes that are listed on the U.S. State Department’s website. Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2025 In 1823, President James Monroe declared the Americas off-limits to the imperial European powers that had colonized them. Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 30 May 2025 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on off-limits

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