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

Dominica has designated 300 square miles of marine reserve as off-limits to humans, and leaves open the slimmest keyhole for tourists to swim with the mammals. —Adam Erace, Fortune, 24 May 2026

Russian universities, previously thought of as off-limits, are now seeing more military recruiters roaming the halls. —Daniel Depetris, Mercury News, 23 May 2026

Some areas of two Huron-Clinton Metroparks in Metro Detroit will be off-limits to the public until further notice because of damage from severe weather this week. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 20 May 2026

In another provision, computer use would be off-limits between classes and during lunch and recess. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 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