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.
Police tape wrapped around government vehicles delineating an off-limits zone where dozens of federal agents congregated. Pedro Rios, Mercury News, 16 June 2025 Next time a desire feels off-limits, catch the thought in the moment and journal about it. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 Unfortunately, their efforts were very narrow in scope, and there is a lot of value in further mapping end uses of robotics that should be deemed off-limits or demand extra caution. Ludovic Righetti, IEEE Spectrum, 10 June 2025 Areas in and around downtown Los Angeles could be temporarily off-limits to filmmakers as protests over recent immigration raids continue to unfold, a local film office advised creatives on Monday. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 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 1 Jul. 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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