off-duty

American

[awf-doo-tee, -dyoo-, of-] / ˈɔfˈdu ti, -ˈdyu-, ˈɒf- /

adjective

not engaged in the performance of one's usual work.

an off-duty police officer.
of, relating to, or during a period when a person is not at work.

off duty Idioms

see under on duty.

Etymology

Origin of off-duty

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The ceasefire definitely soothes our nerves, hoping it stays this way. The crew is finally taking a breather," an off-duty captain of a ship, whose crew is stranded off Qatar, told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

She is currently off-duty owing to the school holidays, but will be at the crossing as "back-up" on Thursday to support Reg through his last patrol.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security said the off-duty ICE agent was responding to an “active shooter.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

Lyons answered no, but as Pou and other Democratic representatives pointed out, this has not been borne out by the reality on the ground; even off-duty officers have recently been profiled by ICE.

From Slate • Feb. 11, 2026

Unfortunately for Farrington, his seatmate was an off-duty policeman.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023