off-limits

adjective

off-lim·​its ˈȯf-ˈli-məts 

: 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

Unlimited drinks, two-for-one specials and drinking contests are also off-limits. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025

To start, decide in advance what’s off-limits (like clothes or takeout) and what’s allowed (groceries, bills, essentials). —Essence, 12 Sep. 2025

This effectively holds these regions off-limits to logging, mining and other extractive industries. —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Twin Cities, 11 Sep. 2025

Photos, Documents, Reading Materials, and Artwork Old photos, documents, books, newspapers, magazines, artwork, and paintings are all off-limits for the attic, garage, or basement. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 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