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

Red diesel, a fuel used by farmers in off-road vehicles, machinery and heating has seen its price pushed up by the soaring cost of brent crude - the global benchmark for oil prices.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“You’re not going to take it off-road, you’re not going to go do anything interesting with it,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“From its tech to its literal abundance of power, this electric pickup truck is fast, capable off-road, and the best-looking in its class,” wrote Gabriel Vega Cortés, editor of vehicle testing.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

He also investigates stolen tractors and off-road vehicles, burglarized deer camps, and financial crimes, like a $2 million case that involved a man who took out bank loans on cows he didn’t own.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

The main trail is wide and flat, made for four-wheelers to off-road.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila