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.
To hear Bondi describe it, the state’s DMV data is completely off-limits to the federal government, but that’s just not true. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025 Jauron was then informed the team had made Bream off-limits to media. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025 Zoom in: City officials are ramping up preparations for Super Bowl weekend. Road closures Potential road closures starting Sunday could make a massive chunk of Center City off-limits to traffic. Mike D'onofrio, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025 But the dirt trails on Mount Tam remained off-limits. Maureen Gaffney, Outside Online, 30 Jan. 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

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 23 Feb. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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