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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.


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

"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-road

First recorded in 1960–65

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.

However, off-road vehicle competitor BRP, doesn’t expect to be immune from levies.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

Even though off-road scramblers have been illegal on public roads since July 2023 in Ireland, the Irish government hopes the new law will bring "additional legal clarity".

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Edmunds named the Rivian R1T its top-rated electric truck for 2026, citing its technology, power, off-road capability, and design.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

While driving on a highway in Georgia, Barry Wooten’s F-150 plotted a path for it to drive off-road as he attempted to take an exit ramp, the family said in court documents.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

The main trail is wide and flat, made for four-wheelers to off-road.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila