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

Hegseth, a former Fox News host, in May made certain hallways of the Pentagon off-limits to journalists without an official escort — a major change as reporters previously had access throughout much of the building without an escort. —Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 28 Sep. 2025

For people with dietary restrictions like severe celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, that abundance is almost always off-limits. —Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025

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

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