off-duty

American  

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

adjective

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

   an off-duty police officer.

2. of, relating to, or during a period when a person is not at work.

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off duty Idioms  

1. see under on duty.

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Etymology

Origin of off-duty

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The force added it was aware that an off-duty serving Met special constable was involved and said the matter has been referred to the Department of Professional Standards for assessment.

From BBC

I’m walking, faster and faster toward the train yard, where off-duty engines loom over rusty railroad ties.

From Literature

"I want to take the opportunity to commend the members of the public in particular who assisted in the initial response including two female off-duty nurses and a young male who pulled the couple from the water and gave the couple the best chance for survival," he said.

From BBC

The officer was undergoing surgery on Monday night, and many on- and off-duty police officers were visiting the hospital to offer support to his family, Derderian said.

From Los Angeles Times

A lawsuit claiming that a man was beaten outside a Santa Clarita bar by off-duty Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies, who then conspired with a high-ranking sheriff’s official to cover up the incident, was dismissed by a federal judge this week.

From Los Angeles Times