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.
The legal action, filed in Oregon federal court, comes after the Trump administration in January rescinded a yearslong policy that limited immigration arrests in places previously considered off-limits, such as schools, hospitals and churches, with certain exceptions. Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025 Working from a catalog of just over 1,100 available features — with another 250 currently off-limits due to rights issues — Gaumont’s restoration team delivers around 40 films per year as DCPs, forming the backbone of Gaumont’s Treasures, and accounting for all 610 titles. Ben Croll, Variety, 7 May 2025 Discuss clear boundaries: Is emotional connection off-limits? Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025 While the gala itself is strictly off-limits to press (attendees must abide by a no-phone policy) the event is most famous for its red carpet, which can be watched via livestream on Vogue.com, YouTube or E!. Kaitlyn Schwanemann, NBC news, 5 May 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 19 May. 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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