off-screen
adverb or adjective
variants
or offscreen
1
: out of sight of the movie or television viewer
a shot fired off-screen
Before long, Anthony introduces himself to the family pooch, who is whooshed away to an off-screen death.—
Kris Turnquist
Kris Turnquist2
: in private life : when not appearing in a movie, on television, etc.
Moyer's off-screen magnetism comes from a down-to-earth friendliness.—Kate Hahn
Kate HahnPfeiffer, 34, remains a mystery woman offscreen.—Michael A. Lipton
Michael A. LiptonExamples of off-screen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Can’t get enough of the most famous blonde in the world’s on-screen charm and off-screen depth?
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 Mar. 2026
Jo paused before replying while looking off-screen.
—Lisa Cavazuti, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
While his character had a reputation for being less than polite, La Salle recalls his off-screen camaraderie with the cast.
—Luria Freeman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
The screenplay also has a passing reference to Evy’s useless, off-screen boyfriend Darren (voiced by Ryan Turner).
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Although off-screen, her abusive mother has a palpable hold over her.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026
No publicist hovering off-screen.
—Ryan Brennan
march 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2026
Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of The Pitt’s commitment to inclusion happens off-screen and is thanks to HBO’s interest in accessibility and inclusion.
—Robert Raben, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Even off-screen, and in some of her earlier roles, Hepburn embraced youthful pigtails with wispy bangs.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
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Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 Mar. 2026
Jo paused before replying while looking off-screen.
—Lisa Cavazuti, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
While his character had a reputation for being less than polite, La Salle recalls his off-screen camaraderie with the cast.
—Luria Freeman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
The screenplay also has a passing reference to Evy’s useless, off-screen boyfriend Darren (voiced by Ryan Turner).
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Although off-screen, her abusive mother has a palpable hold over her.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026
No publicist hovering off-screen.
—Ryan Brennan
march 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2026
Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of The Pitt’s commitment to inclusion happens off-screen and is thanks to HBO’s interest in accessibility and inclusion.
—Robert Raben, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Even off-screen, and in some of her earlier roles, Hepburn embraced youthful pigtails with wispy bangs.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Off-screen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-screen. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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