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

“You’re not going to take it off-road, you’re not going to go do anything interesting with it,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 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

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

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

He also investigates stolen tractors and off-road vehicles, burglarized deer camps, and financial crimes, like a $2 million case that involved a man who took out bank loans on cows he didn’t own.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Ignoring posted warnings that off-road driving is strictly forbidden, McCandless steered the Datsun off the pavement where it crossed a broad, sandy wash.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer