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
During my visit, a host escorted me through off-limits corridors and underground tunnels that keep the massive resort running smoothly.
—
Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
Designating the formal rooms as off-limits is much like storing the fine china out of sight and out of use.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026
We’re told Adebayo is all but off-limits in a deal.
—Greg Cote
january 30, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
So now, schools are no longer off-limits to federal immigration agencies, including ICE.
—Carolyn Sattin-Bajaj, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for off-limits
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.
Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
Designating the formal rooms as off-limits is much like storing the fine china out of sight and out of use.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026
We’re told Adebayo is all but off-limits in a deal.
—Greg Cote
january 30, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
So now, schools are no longer off-limits to federal immigration agencies, including ICE.
—Carolyn Sattin-Bajaj, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for off-limits
Cite this Entry
“Off-limits.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-limits. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
