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off-season

American  
[awf-see-zuhn, of-] / ˈɔfˈsi zən, ˈɒf- /

noun

  1. a time of year other than the regular or busiest one for a specific activity.

    Fares are lower in the off-season.

  2. a time of year when business, manufacturing activity, etc., is less than normal or at an unusually low point.


adjective

  1. of, relating to, or during the off-season.

    off-season hotel rates.

adverb

  1. in or during the off-season.

    Traveling off-season is the easiest way to save vacation money.

off season British  

adjective

  1. denoting or occurring during a period of little activity in a trade or business

"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. such a period

"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

adverb

  1. in an off-season period

"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 off-season

First recorded in 1840–50

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.

"This will just make me work harder in the off-season, make me even more excited for the 2026 season. But yeah, it stings, for sure."

From Barron's

"I'm really upset but I spoke about this issue three months ago when I looked at the schedule, in the summer, the off-season," added Glasner.

From BBC

The Grand Slams continue to emphasise their belief that the structural challenges facing the sport - a long season with few breaks and a short off-season - is a greater problem for the players.

From BBC

Even the sleepiest off-season Sunday can suddenly erupt into the latest melodramatic controversy, with rumours, counter-rumours and abrupt U-turns a matter of course.

From BBC

Harry Darling and Lewis O'Brien are big losses in those areas, but there should be enough quality added in the off-season to compensate.

From BBC