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.
Excavating and exporting them isn’t strictly off-limits, according to Lassale, but to do so commercially, a license must be obtained from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development as well as a validated customs certificate. Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025 With the recent signing of an executive order aimed at allowing 401(k) plans to include alternative investments such as private equity, private credit, real estate and cryptocurrency, more American workers could gain access to investment vehicles that were once off-limits to most retirement savers. Gregory Clifford, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 And while wearable technology, which could send subtle cues by sense of touch, remains off-limits under the Laws of the Game, rapid technological advances mean the possibility lingers in the background. Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025 Already, adult sites such as Pornhub are requiring users to sign in to access their content, which is legal for adults but off-limits for those under 18. Larry Magid, Mercury News, 31 July 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 19 Aug. 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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