off-road

American  

[awf-rohd, of-] / ˈɔfˈroʊd, ˈɒf- /

adjective

1. designed, built, or used for traveling off public roads, especially on unpaved roads, trails, beaches, or rough terrain.

   an off-road vehicle.

2. taking place on such roads or terrain.

   off-road racing.

3. used for or suitable to an off-road vehicle.

   off-road tires.

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adverb

1. on a road or terrain other than a public road.

   to travel off-road.

off-road British  

adjective

1. (of a motor vehicle) designed or built for use away from public roads, esp on rough terrain

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Etymology

Origin of off-road

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

These vehicles are designed for riding off-road and can reach top speeds of 40 to 70 mph.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

In that spirit, Nissan plans to start selling in China a beefy off-road SUV called the Terrano within two years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

It’s marketed as an off-road dirt bike, capable of reaching up to 60 mph, according to the website.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

However, off-road vehicle competitor BRP, doesn’t expect to be immune from levies.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

I’d read somewhere that off-road land in parched West Texas sold for as little as a hundred dollars an acre.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls