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

See Examples For:

off-road

Twenty-six fire crews alongside water carriers and specialist off-road units were sent to the scene as the flames quickly spread.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

GM’s infantry-squad vehicles for the military are based on an off-road truck and are primarily made of commercial off-the-shelf parts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

The fire service said crews were using equipment including off-road vehicles, drones and quad bikes.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies have searched for Goforth on horseback and in off-road vehicles, using search-and-rescue dogs, drones and a helicopter, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

Ignoring posted warnings that off-road driving is strictly forbidden, McCandless steered the Datsun off the pavement where it crossed a broad, sandy wash.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer