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

Biological and chemical weapons are categorically off-limits. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 July 2026

Every era added a new layer of intelligence, but the payment layer remained structurally off-limits due to card network ownership of the relationship and merchant disintermediation. — Nandan Sheth, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Shellfish harvesting in the river is still off-limits, according to the city's message. — Neal Riley, CBS News, 1 July 2026

The area is secured by a fence and off-limits to the public. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 June 2026

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