off-the-record

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: given or made in confidence and not for publication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
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.
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 The goal is to explore the dispute through candid, off-the-record conversation. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025 The petition included a series of bombshell claims: In off-the-record comments, Riverside County Superior Court Judge David Downing was recorded on Garcia’s courtroom laptop talking with his clerk about Niroula’s HIV-positive status. Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for off-the-record

Word History

First Known Use

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-the-record. Accessed 19 Nov. 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: - Updated example sentences
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