offshoot

noun

off·​shoot ˈȯf-ˌshüt 

1

a

: a collateral or derived branch, descendant, or member : outgrowth

b

: a lateral branch (as of a mountain range)

2

: a branch of a main stem especially of a plant

Synonyms of offshoot

• limb
• outgrowth
• sprout
• shoot
• growth

Examples of offshoot in a Sentence

The business started as an offshoot of an established fashion design company.

we knew the rosebush had survived the harsh winter when it began producing offshoots and turning green again

Recent Examples on the Web

Those seasons were spent in offshoots of the Shanahan-style offense the Raiders are running, including three with the Minnesota Vikings when Kubiak was his position coach and, eventually, his play caller. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Al Qaeda has spawned more than two dozen offshoots threatening governments on three continents, from Europe deep into Africa, and across Asia. — Robin Wright, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2026

Set in Edgewater, the untitled offshoot is informally referred to as Edge Med. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026

The tribes also have worked together after rains to orchestrate rescue missions for chi that are trapped in puddles, offshoots and agricultural ditches. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for offshoot

• acute
• aleut
• astute
• beetroot
• breadfruit
• cheroot
• commute
• compute
• confute
• dilute
• dispute
• elute

Kids Definition

offshoot

noun

off·​shoot ˈȯf-ˌshüt 

1

: something that branches out from something else

2

: a branch of a main stem of a plant