1
a(1)
: from a place or position
march off
specifically
: away from land
ship stood off to sea
(2)
: at a distance in space or time
stood 10 paces off
a long way off
b
: from a course : aside
turned off into a bypath
specifically
: away from the wind
The ship eased off a point or two.
c
: into an unconscious state
dozed off
2
a
: so as to be separated from support
rolled to the edge of the table and off
or close contact
blew the lid off
the handle came off
b
: so as to be divided
surface marked off into squares
3
a
: to a state of discontinuance or suspension
shut off an engine
b
—used as an intensifier
drink off a glass
finish it off
4
: in absence from or suspension of regular work or service
take time off for lunch
5
: offstage
The actor turns and goes off.
1
a
—used as a function word to indicate physical separation or distance from a position of rest, attachment, or union
take it off the table
a path off the main walk
a shop just off the main street
b
: to seaward of
two miles off shore
2
: from the possession or charge of
had his wallet stolen off him
3
—used as a function word to indicate the object of an action
borrowed a dollar off him
dined off oysters
4
a
—used as a function word to indicate the suspension of an occupation or activity
off duty
off liquor
b
: below the usual standard or level of
off his game
2
a
: started on the way
off on a spree
b
: not taking place or staying in effect : canceled
the deal was off
c
: not operating
d
: not placed so as to permit operation
3
4
a
: spent off duty
reading on his off days
b
: marked by a periodic decline in activity or business
traveled in the off season for lower prices
5
6
: circumstanced
worse off
office; officer; official
ˌȯf
: competition : contest
cook-off
dance-off
Examples of off in a Sentence
Adverb
She put on her jacket and off she went.
The car turned off onto a side street.
Preposition
She is still living off her parents.
The family lives off welfare.
They live off the land.
They make their living off tourism.
Adjective
The lever is in the off position.
He is off playing golf.
She is off on a trip.
Verb
The movie is about a gangster who gets power by offing his rivals.
the hit man was rumored to have offed at least three people in the last year alone
Recent Examples on the Web
New Atlas, 19 July 2025
The only major issue with an MRI machine, the doctor cautioned, is that the magnetic function is never off.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 21 July 2025
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2025
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
No team could use an off day than the New York Mets.
—John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Rance Collins, IndieWire, 14 June 2025
The disturbance that moved from over North Florida to off North Florida’s Atlantic Coast became Tropical Depression 3 Friday afternoon.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for off
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adverb
The oversized padded seat sits atop a dropper seatpost, which should also make getting on and off easier.
—New Atlas, 19 July 2025
The only major issue with an MRI machine, the doctor cautioned, is that the magnetic function is never off.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Preposition
Baskin-Robbins: From Sunday, July 20 through Saturday, July 26, Baskin-Robbins Rewards members can enjoy $5 off any order of $20 or more, in-store or through delivery apps.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 21 July 2025
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2025
Adjective
Avoid wrapping leftover cut lemons in aluminum foil, which can react with the acidity in the fruit, causing an off flavor.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
No team could use an off day than the New York Mets.
—John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
The current Disney+ version even shows Greedo getting in the last word before Han offs him.
—Rance Collins, IndieWire, 14 June 2025
The disturbance that moved from over North Florida to off North Florida’s Atlantic Coast became Tropical Depression 3 Friday afternoon.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for off
Cite this Entry
“Off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
off
1 of 3 adverb1
a
: from a place or position
march off
stood 10 paces off
drove the dogs off
b
: from a course : aside
turned off onto a side street
c
: into an unconscious state
dozed off
2
: so as to be separated from support or close contact
rolled to the edge of the table and off
the handle came off
3
: so as to be divided
surface marked off into squares
4
: so as to be stopped or finished
shut off an engine
a coat of paint to finish it off
5
: away from work
took the day off
off
2 of 3 preposition(ˈ)ȯf
1
: away from the surface, position, or place of
take it off the table
the ball bounced off the wall
a path off the main road
2
—used to indicate the object of an action
borrowed a dollar off him
living off my parents
3
a
: released or freed from
off duty
b
: below the usual level of
off her game
a dollar off the price
off
3 of 3 adjective(ˈ)ȯf
1
a
: not left : right
the off horse
b
: more distant
the off side of the building
2
: started on the way
off on a trip
they're off and running
3
a
: not taking place
the game is off
b
: not operating
the radio is off
4
5
: being not as busy as usual
liked to vacation during the off season
6
a
: not very good : poor
an off grade of oil
b
: below or down from the normal
stocks were off
offered at 15% off
7
: provided for or taken care of
we were better off before
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