off the record

1 of 2

phrase

: not for publication
spoke off the record
remarks that were off the record

off-the-record

2 of 2

adjective

off-the-rec·​ord ˈȯf-ṯẖə-ˈre-kərd How to pronounce off-the-record (audio)
: given or made in confidence and not for publication
off-the-record comments

Examples of off the record in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
In early June, tech entrepreneur Vik Bajaj took over Saison, a two-Michelin-star restaurant in San Francisco, for an off-the-record dinner to talk about AI with journalists and a handful of scientists. Paresh Dave, Wired News, 26 Nov. 2025 In an earlier era, athletic departments cultivated their most devoted supporters through backroom access—off-the-record chats, private events and insider tidbits for top donors. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 18 Nov. 2025 Join Vogue Business senior trends editor Lucy Maguire on Thursday 11 December for an off-the-record conversation with fellow Executive Members (previously referred to as Advanced Members) on how to connect with each generation of consumers. Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025 What happened next during the hearing — which the report states is key to the case — was an off-the-record sidebar between Joseph and the attorneys. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for off the record

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off the record was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Off the record.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off%20the%20record. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

off-the-record

adjective
: given or made privately and not meant for publication
off-the-record comments

More from Merriam-Webster on off the record

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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