off-limits
adjective
off-lim·its
ˈȯf-ˈli-məts 
: 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
While the Stanford list, by offering alternate formulations with similar meanings, aimed to declare off-limits specific words rather than entire concepts or ideas, the Trump list does the opposite.
—
Suzanne Nossel, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Some go for fresh caulking, new basement flooring, or any off-limits areas.
—Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
Before Judge Williams issued his ruling, lawyers for Hackman’s relatives and estate urged the court to put all of the investigative materials off-limits.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025
Cough syrup is generally off-limits for kids under six, and the only alternative (and only after age one) is honey, which is allegedly effective at reducing cough but mostly effective at making your sick child sticky.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2025
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.
Suzanne Nossel, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Some go for fresh caulking, new basement flooring, or any off-limits areas.
—Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
Before Judge Williams issued his ruling, lawyers for Hackman’s relatives and estate urged the court to put all of the investigative materials off-limits.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025
Cough syrup is generally off-limits for kids under six, and the only alternative (and only after age one) is honey, which is allegedly effective at reducing cough but mostly effective at making your sick child sticky.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2025
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 12 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share