off-season

[awf-see-zuhn, of-]

noun

1. a time of year other than the regular or busiest one for a specific activity.

   Fares are lower in the off-season.

2. a time of year when business, manufacturing activity, etc., is less than normal or at an unusually low point.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or during the off-season.

   off-season hotel rates.

adverb

1. in or during the off-season.

   Traveling off-season is the easiest way to save vacation money.

off season

adjective

1. denoting or occurring during a period of little activity in a trade or business

noun

1. such a period

adverb

1. in an off-season period

Word History and Origins

Origin of off-season¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

"This will just make me work harder in the off-season, make me even more excited for the 2026 season. But yeah, it stings, for sure."

Read more on Barron's

"I'm really upset but I spoke about this issue three months ago when I looked at the schedule, in the summer, the off-season," added Glasner.

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The Grand Slams continue to emphasise their belief that the structural challenges facing the sport - a long season with few breaks and a short off-season - is a greater problem for the players.

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The seasonal workers are some of the most at-risk with the HR-1 bill because new work requirements may make them ineligible for benefits in the off-season.

Read more on Salon

Even the sleepiest off-season Sunday can suddenly erupt into the latest melodramatic controversy, with rumours, counter-rumours and abrupt U-turns a matter of course.

Read more on BBC