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
Officials at Andrean High School ruled its grounds off-limits Friday and all activities at the school have been postponed, rescheduled or relocated.
—
Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
The protest escalated quickly, with many activists lying in the middle of the Council chamber floor, in between the tables where councilors sit each meeting — an area that is off-limits to the public unless otherwise invited by officials.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
The expert warning on high fiber candy Experts are not saying fiber candy is off-limits.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
Kel only has eyes for Abby, who in turn has her sights set on some of her attractive-yet-off-limits clients.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for off-limits
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.
Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
The protest escalated quickly, with many activists lying in the middle of the Council chamber floor, in between the tables where councilors sit each meeting — an area that is off-limits to the public unless otherwise invited by officials.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
The expert warning on high fiber candy Experts are not saying fiber candy is off-limits.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
Kel only has eyes for Abby, who in turn has her sights set on some of her attractive-yet-off-limits clients.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for off-limits
Cite this Entry
“Off-limits.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-limits. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
