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off and on

adverb

: with periodic cessation : intermittently
rained off and on all day
off-and-on adjective
They have an off-and-on relationship.
off-and-on work

Examples of off and on 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.
Rain showers are expected off and on throughout this time. Ron Smiley, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025 Guiteau was involved with the religious sect and intentional community off and on from 1860 to 1866. Jane Borden, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2025 While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun rolling back its shoes-off policy at security checkpoints, this ability to whip them off and on in seconds is still majorly convenient for travel. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025 Tarantino has toyed with a Kill Bill 3 off and on for years, with the movie potentially starring Uma Thurman and her daughter, Maya Hawke. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for off and on

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off and on was in 1535

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Cite this Entry

“Off and on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off%20and%20on. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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