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.
But its replacement, which happened to be the only spare at the time, worked perfectly for six weeks and then off and on for several more years. IEEE Spectrum, 28 Aug. 2025 Ray has been with me for 12 years off and on. Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025 The simplest toggle between off and on while more advanced seats have an adjustable temperature. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025 The San Diego Zoo has cared for Tasmanian devils off and on since the 1950s. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 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 8 Sep. 2025.

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