off the wall

1 of 2

phrase

slang : highly unusual : bizarre
The plan was off the wall.

off-the-wall

2 of 2

adjective

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

Examples of off the wall in a Sentence

Adjective she does have some off-the-wall suggestions about home decorating
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.
Adjective
Since this is about potential scenarios, how about this off-the-wall notion: U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla runs for governor next year and wins. Dan Walters, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025 There, his off-the-wall creations like blues singer Calhoun Tubbs and horny prison inmate Tiny made Grier one of the show's most beloved performers. Elliott Smith, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2025 Ziggi’s develops some off-the-wall drinks. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 8 Sep. 2025 Rather, the failures here just highlight everything that makes Swag sound so fresh and off-the-wall. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for off the wall

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1953, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Off the wall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off%20the%20wall. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

off-the-wall

adjective
: very unusual : bizarre
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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