offing

noun

off·​ing ˈȯ-fiŋ How to pronounce offing (audio)
ˈä-
Synonyms of offingnext
1
: the part of the deep sea seen from the shore
2
: the near or foreseeable future
changes in the offing

Examples of offing in a Sentence

major changes are in the offing for the company
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.
Travelers could be in for a rough summer at the world’s busiest airport, with higher prices in the offing amid steep fuel costs — especially with rock-bottom Spirit Airlines now out of business. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026 No such prospect is in the offing, of course, and dwelling on it is of little use. Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 The forecast is for a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm in the offing. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2026 With four fixtures still to come in Gameweek 33, there are surely some further twists and turns in the offing. Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for offing

Word History

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of offing was in 1608

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Cite this Entry

“Offing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offing. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

offing

noun
off·​ing ˈȯf-iŋ How to pronounce offing (audio)
ˈäf-
: the near future
sees trouble in the offing
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