: without previous thought or preparation
I couldn't give them the figures offhand.
Do you happen to know, offhand, when he'll be back?
variants
also offhanded
1
: done or made without previous thought or preparation
It was just an offhand remark.
offhand excuses
2
: casual or informal
She spoke in an offhand manner.
Cite this Entry
“Offhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/offhand. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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