on-off
adjective
1
: used to turn something on and off
an on-off switch
2
: relating to something that is sometimes on and sometimes off
a switch set to a random on-off pattern
Examples of on-off in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the show, Lucy and Stephen are an on-off couple whose relationship devolves into a series of dark secrets and manipulations.
—
Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
During the final stretch of secondary school, the popular Connell (Mescal) and wallflower Marianne (Edgar-Jones) begin an on-off romance that extends for the next four years, ultimately defining that era of their lives.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
After nearly two decades of on-off negotiations, the deal will pave the way for India to open up its vast and guarded market to free trade with the 27-nation EU, its biggest trading partner.
—CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
But forget about the on-off differential — the Raptors came into the game a little stingier with Barnes off the floor than on it — and think about what Barnes has had to do this season.
—Eric Koreen, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for on-off
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Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
During the final stretch of secondary school, the popular Connell (Mescal) and wallflower Marianne (Edgar-Jones) begin an on-off romance that extends for the next four years, ultimately defining that era of their lives.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
After nearly two decades of on-off negotiations, the deal will pave the way for India to open up its vast and guarded market to free trade with the 27-nation EU, its biggest trading partner.
—CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
But forget about the on-off differential — the Raptors came into the game a little stingier with Barnes off the floor than on it — and think about what Barnes has had to do this season.
—Eric Koreen, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for on-off
Cite this Entry
“On-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on-off. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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