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.

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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

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noun

1. such a period

adverb

1. in an off-season period

Etymology

Origin of off-season

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Holidaymaker Paul Thompson, who owns a campervan, called for a "balancing act between the busy summer period and the off-season".

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Bananas, mangoes, pineapples and off-season berries and vegetables are all exposed to higher input costs, Lempert added, and consumers could pay between 5% and 20% more by the fall, depending on produce origin.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 21, 2026

The adventurers reckon that they’re probably safe because it’s off-season for the toothy beasts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

In “Heated Rivalry,” Shane and Ilya escape to the cottage during their off-season for a private, romantic getaway as the couple hides its relationship from the public.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Spending the winter here has its advantages, and I’m not talking about the free off-season parking in Provincetown.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker