off-ramp

Or off·ramp

[awf-ramp, of-]

noun

1. an exit lane for traffic from a turnpike or freeway to a street.

off-ramp

noun

1. a short steep one-way road by which traffic can leave a motorway or highway

Word History and Origins

Origin of off-ramp¹

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called for an “off-ramp” to political hostilities, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom released a statement condemning political violence.

From Salon

Gov. Spencer Cox closed his press conference with some advice for us all: “I would encourage people to log off, turn off, touch grass, hug a family member, go out and do good in your community. Do we escalate or do we find an off-ramp? It’s a choice, and every one of us gets to make that choice.”

From Slate

The restaurant changed its location in the 1950s when the building of a freeway off-ramp forced it move.

From Los Angeles Times

Her goal, Bowser said, was to provide an off-ramp to more quickly end the state of emergency.

From Salon

At the moment, there’s no clear off-ramp for these new tariffs.

From Salon

Related Words

• turnoff