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off-limits

adjective

off-lim·​its ˈȯf-ˈli-məts How to pronounce off-limits (audio)
: 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
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.
Bellerophon ultimately decided to visit Mount Olympus, the home of the gods, which was strictly off-limits to mortals. Joe Rao, Space.com, 16 Nov. 2025 Meanwhile, proposals for tax increases, though historically modest relative to other rich economies, are treated as off-limits. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2025 Previously accessible areas, like the East Colonnade and Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, will remain off-limits due to the ongoing renovations, reported. Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 That’s a topic that seems off-limits. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 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 28 Nov. 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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