: highly unusual : bizarre
an off-the-wall sense of humor

Examples of off-the-wall in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The story switches between moments of off-the-wall humor and more serious, heartfelt messages about love, friendship and the holiday season. Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 22 Nov. 2023 In the fifth inning, down 5-3, second baseman Marcus Semien led off with an off-the-wall double in left field that would’ve been a home run in 16 MLB stadiums. Shawn McFarland, Dallas News, 6 Aug. 2023 The Associated Press Actor Paul Reubens, best known for his off-the-wall Pee-wee Herman character, has died at age 70 after a private battle with cancer. Harold Maass, The Week, 1 Aug. 2023 The movie is set entirely at night, allowing cinematographer Steve Holleran (Missing) to slap on lots of red filters that channel the satanic fury of Cage’s off-the-wall creation. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 July 2023 Don’t be afraid to use bright colors and off-the-wall (or on-the-wall) patterns in your space. Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 21 July 2023 In a two-strike count against New York Yankees ace and AL starter Gerrit Cole, Freeman laced a line drive the other way, the ball seemingly destined for an off-the-wall double. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2023 Occasionally, callers phone in with off-the-wall items. Sarah Baird, New York Times, 11 July 2023 Their off-the-wall interactive exhibitions are meant to make art feel accessible to all. Michelle Aslam, Dallas News, 5 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'off-the-wall.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-the-wall was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near off-the-wall

Cite this Entry

“Off-the-wall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-the-wall. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

off-the-wall

adjective
: very unusual : bizarre
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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