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

The Shakers are a celibate Christian movement and an offshoot of the Quakers. — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Puerto Rico’s main musical export of the last three decades has been reggaeton and its various offshoots, resulting in international success. — Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2026

In 1974, the Beetlejuice star, who was born in Toronto, joined Second City Toronto, an offshoot of the original Chicago training center for sketch-comedy artists. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 Oct. 2026

Thrive Holdings was founded last year, serving as an offshoot of Joshua Kushner’s venture capital firm Thrive Capital Management. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 29 Oct. 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