off-road

American

[awf-rohd, of-] / ˈɔfˈroʊd, ˈɒf- /

adjective

designed, built, or used for traveling off public roads, especially on unpaved roads, trails, beaches, or rough terrain.

an off-road vehicle.
taking place on such roads or terrain.

off-road racing.
used for or suitable to an off-road vehicle.

off-road tires.

adverb

on a road or terrain other than a public road.

to travel off-road.

off-road British

adjective

(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.

The snowmobile and off-road vehicle manufacturer announced recent tariff policy changes won’t have an impact on 2026 guidance.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

The Missoula, Mont., facility, built in 2024, provides two-day delivery to remote areas and tests Project Ibex off-road delivery vehicles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

"They were getting away, going through tight gaps, alleyways, footpaths and even off-road."

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

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

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023