off of

preposition

: off
Usage of Off of

The of is often criticized as superfluous, but off of is an idiom, and idioms follow their own logic. Use of off of is much more common in speech than in edited writing and is more common in American English than in British English.

Examples of off of 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 each case, the contracts were built off of what would stand as less than mid-level money, with both having higher potential upside. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026 Cregger uses first-person-shooter point-of-view shots, with the long barrel of a rifle or automatic weapon lining up our sights; one running gag sees Bryan, completely hopeless with guns, having to shoot the locks off of gates. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026 Just off of World Center Drive, Caribe Royale Orlando is an exquisite property, complete with eight dining experiences; a pool, waterfall, waterslide, and splash pad; sports court; convention center; and fishing pier. — Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 18 Sep. 2026 To get his mind off of his diagnosis, Gardner enjoys reading, specifically engineering books. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for off of

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off of was in 1567

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Cite this Entry

“Off of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off%20of. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

off of

preposition
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