off-season

American  

[awf-see-zuhn, of-] / ˈɔfˈsi zən, ˈɒf- /

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.

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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 British  

adjective

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

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noun

1. such a period

adverb

1. in an off-season period

Etymology

Origin of off-season

First recorded in 1840–50

Explanation

Anything with a season also has an off-season. Summer marks the off-season for skiing, and winter marks the off-season for most amusement parks (unless, of course, you live in Orlando, Florida). Off-season is often the time of the year when tourists don't visit, or when sports fans have to take a break from their favorite games. In seaside resorts, the off-season is the summer. During the off-season, visitors are sparse and sometimes businesses offer discounts to attract tourism. When you're talking about sports, the off-season is the period athletes spend training in preparation for their playing seasons.

Example Sentences

Bananas, mangoes, pineapples and off-season berries and vegetables are all exposed to higher input costs, Lempert added, and consumers could pay between 5% and 20% more by the fall, depending on produce origin.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 21, 2026

He cautions that the recent rainfall could be off-season rains, which may not last, and in any case would take some time before they made any difference.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

The adventurers reckon that they’re probably safe because it’s off-season for the toothy beasts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

In “Heated Rivalry,” Shane and Ilya escape to the cottage during their off-season for a private, romantic getaway as the couple hides its relationship from the public.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

The restaurant wasn’t crowded — it was the off-season in Port Angeles.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer