off-limits

adjective

off-lim·​its ˈȯf-ˈli-məts How to pronounce off-limits (audio)
Synonyms of off-limitsnext
: 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
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.
Russian universities, previously thought of as off-limits, are now seeing more military recruiters roaming the halls. Daniel Depetris, Twin Cities, 15 May 2026 With few exceptions, snorkeling and diving are off-limits around the USS Arizona. Jim Mustian, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 Blending sharp humor, irreverent games and unexpected twists, each episode peels back the polished layers of today’s most talked about talent to reveal the human behind the fame… and no topic is off-limits. Todd Spangler, Variety, 13 May 2026 While nothing is off-limits in the context of a roast, the line felt especially harsh given many were unfamiliar with her tragic story — unlike, say, the night’s many jokes about Davidson’s firefighter dad dying during 9/11. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 12 May 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Off-limits.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-limits. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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

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