off-limits

adjective

off-lim·​its ˈȯf-ˈli-məts 

: 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

Expanding where traditional wind cannot Beyond cost and speed, the company’s compact and modular turbines open doors to locations that are often off-limits to large wind farms. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026

Even when races aren’t scheduled, speedway tours give visitors access to areas typically off-limits, - ideal for racing fans and curious newcomers alike. —Bill Bootz, Charlotte Observer, 30 Dec. 2025

Lockwood, while on duty, showed up two hours later at the business, went into an off-limits area and took it back, the affidavit states. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 17 Dec. 2025

But generally, with phones off-limits, the atmosphere feels different. —The Editors, Curbed, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for off-limits

• delimits
• limites
• limits

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