: not reported or recorded
off-the-books transactions
off-the-books covert operations
off the books adverb

Examples of off-the-books 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 2021 film, Odenkirk (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) stars as Hutch Mansell, a by-the-numbers working stiff who harbors a secret past as an off-the-books government assassin. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025 Over the years, law enforcement officers have responded to dozens of calls to these casinos for crimes more violent than off-the-books gambling. Josh Salman, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025 Whoops: Dozens die south of the border when Joe leads an off-the-books attack on human traffickers. Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025 Charges were dropped Tuesday against the one-time manager of a former off-the-books Gary strip club after the man died, filings show. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for off-the-books

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-the-books was in 1975

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Cite this Entry

“Off-the-books.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-the-books. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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