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 exact location of the villa remains off-limits to the public, nearby resorts like First Landing and Landers Bay offer fans a chance to experience a similar island escape.
—
Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025
Anything from within the ship itself has remained strictly off-limits.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 July 2025
The Heat essentially made Ware off-limits in trade discussions with the Phoenix Suns for 15-time All-Star forward Kevin Durant last month, leading the Suns to eventually deal Durant to the Houston Rockets.
—Miami Herald, 4 July 2025
Consider making bedrooms and family dining areas off-limits to listening devices.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 4 July 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.
Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025
Anything from within the ship itself has remained strictly off-limits.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 July 2025
The Heat essentially made Ware off-limits in trade discussions with the Phoenix Suns for 15-time All-Star forward Kevin Durant last month, leading the Suns to eventually deal Durant to the Houston Rockets.
—Miami Herald, 4 July 2025
Consider making bedrooms and family dining areas off-limits to listening devices.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 4 July 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 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share