off-limits

adjective

off-lim·​its ˈȯf-ˈli-məts How to pronounce off-limits (audio)
Synonyms of off-limits
: 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.
In the final weeks of the 2026 midterms, political candidates have dragged their opponents’ families into campaigns, reflecting how divisive politics has become, with few barbs, if any, off-limits. — Dan Merica, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 Walk through where things are and what’s off-limits, demonstrate the remotes and any special gear and say the quiet parts out loud before the first evening winds down. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 For Zaki, the experience marked the beginning of a struggle that has followed her throughout her career, that of finding roles that allow women to address subjects Egyptian cinema has historically treated as difficult or off-limits. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026 The seven other cemeteries will become off-limits for burials in January 2027. — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 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

Rhymes for off-limits

See All Rhymes for off-limits

Browse Nearby Words

off-license
off-limits
offline
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Off-limits.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-limits. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

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