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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of off-road

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

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

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

Under the new laws, off-road motorcycles, such as a scrambler or quadbikes, are banned in all places apart from private land.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 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

“From its tech to its literal abundance of power, this electric pickup truck is fast, capable off-road, and the best-looking in its class,” wrote Gabriel Vega Cortés, editor of vehicle testing.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Jonah got to see how the vehicle performed in off-road mud puddles.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times