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offside

American  
[awf-sahyd, of-] / ˈɔfˈsaɪd, ˈɒf- /

adjective

  1. Sports. illegally beyond a prescribed line or area or in advance of the ball or puck at the beginning of or during play or a play.

    The touchdown was nullified because the offensive left tackle was offside.

  2. with or in doubtful propriety or taste; risqué.

    an offside joke.


offside British  
/ ˈɒfˈsaɪd /

adjective

  1. sport (in football, hockey, etc) in a position illegally ahead of the ball or puck when it is played, usually when within one's opponents' half or the attacking zone

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

    1. the side of a vehicle nearest the centre of the road (in Britain, the right side)

    2. ( as modifier )

      the offside passenger door

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of offside

First recorded in 1840–50; off + side 1


Vocabulary lists containing offside

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.

See Examples For:

It would have been the perfect strike to mark an impressive few days but it was ruled out for offside, much to Wiegman's dismay.

From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026

James showed flashes of quality and nonchalantly lobbed goalkeeper Fafailia Petaloti from 30 yards in the first half, but her effort was ruled out for offside.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

Ferran Torres saw a goal ruled out for offside, was denied by a fine stop by England goalkeeper James Trafford, then rolled an effort wide of the post when clean through.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

The forward missed a big opportunity and had a goal disallowed for offside, which would have been his 980th top-flight goal, before being substituted midway through the second half.

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026

They were called for one offside penalty, then another, and another.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John

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