off-limits

adjective

off-lim·​its ˈȯf-ˈli-məts How to pronounce off-limits (audio)
: 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
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.
Warehousing tens of thousands of pounds remains decidedly off-limits, though. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 Even the world’s most lavish resorts will struggle to bear that cost, which puts them off-limits to folks whose insurance requires them to fly in only twin-engines or planes. The Editors, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2024 Christina Aguilera's closet at home isn't off-limits. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024 The high tariffs Biden imposed on electric vehicles and batteries this year, coupled with the potential forthcoming ban on imports of connected and autonomous vehicles, will effectively make the U.S. market off-limits to all Chinese automakers. Scott Kennedy, Foreign Affairs, 26 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near off-limits

Cite this Entry

“Off-limits.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-limits. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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