offhand

1 of 2

adverb

off·​hand ˈȯf-ˈhand 

-ˌhand

: without premeditation or preparation : extempore

couldn't give the figures offhand

offhand

2 of 2

adjective

1

: casual, informal

a relaxed, offhand manner

2

: done or made offhand

offhand excuses

Synonyms of offhand

Adjective

• impromptu
• improvised
• improvisational

Examples of offhand in a Sentence

Adverb

I couldn't give them the figures offhand.

Do you happen to know, offhand, when he'll be back?

Adjective

It was just an offhand remark.

She spoke in an offhand manner.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Many hunters used to regularly shoot offhand, including the great Jack O’Connor. — Tyler Freel, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2020

His willingness to eat what the locals eat, not dismiss it offhand as weird or scary but to shine a light on it, opened a window for his viewers to the food of Thailand that will be felt for a long time. — Anna Spoerre, OregonLive.com, 12 June 2018

Adjective

Next, craft subject lines that are short, intriguing, and offhand, mimicking a friend's message to boost open rates. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

She’s only mentioned in an offhand conversation between Lexi and Cassie. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

1680, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

circa 1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for offhand

• armband
• backhand
• bandstand
• baseband
• broadband
• command
• cropland
• demand
• disband
• dreamland
• expand
• farmhand

Kids Definition

offhand

adverb or adjective

off·​hand

ˈȯf-ˈhand

: without previous thought or preparation

can't say offhand how many there are