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.
These getaways are designed to provide unparalleled access to women-only spaces and experiences often off-limits on mixed-gender trips. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2025 In the past, threat actors mainly respected hospitals as off-limits, but that is far from the case today. Chris Novak, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 Zero Times Hitting Snooze in the Morning In the 10-3-2-1-0 routine, hitting the snooze button is completely off-limits. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 7 Jan. 2025 The main international airport remains off-limits to U.S. jetliners. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 2 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 18 Jan. 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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