offshoot

noun

off·​shoot ˈȯf-ˌshüt 

1

a

: a collateral or derived branch, descendant, or member : outgrowth

b

: a lateral branch (as of a mountain range)

2

: a branch of a main stem especially of a plant

Synonyms of offshoot

• limb
• outgrowth
• sprout
• shoot
• growth

Examples of offshoot in a Sentence

The business started as an offshoot of an established fashion design company.

we knew the rosebush had survived the harsh winter when it began producing offshoots and turning green again

Recent Examples on the Web

Spiritual jazz would devolve into a whole constellation of hybrids and offshoots involving varying degrees of jazz, funk, and electronica. — Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

In the Netherlands and neighboring Germany cargo ships that ply the Rhine and its offshoots have been forced to carry significantly less freight or risk running aground in shallow navigation channels. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Primus’ Bay Area cult following snowballed into a deal with Virgin offshoot Caroline Records for their studio debut, 1990’s Frizzle Fry, which established Primus as irresistible genre iconoclasts. — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026

This angst — and frustration at India’s state of education and economy — is what Garg said drove her to join the offshoot of the Delhi student protest in Bengaluru. — Priyanka Salve,raksha Murali, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for offshoot

• acute
• aleut
• astute
• beetroot
• breadfruit
• cheroot
• commute
• compute
• confute
• dilute
• dispute
• elute

Kids Definition

offshoot

noun

off·​shoot ˈȯf-ˌshüt 

1

: something that branches out from something else

2

: a branch of a main stem of a plant