off-topic
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of off-topic
First recorded in 1970–75
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.
During the news conference, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom expressed frustration with reporters for asking off-topic questions and said the media should be more concerned about women’s issues.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026
But after the midmorning break, the judge appeared less interested in cutting off Trump’s off-topic soliloquies.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 6, 2023
While highlighting the need for increased investments in the nation’s infrastructure, Mr. Biden suddenly meandered off-topic.
From Washington Times • Aug. 15, 2023
The positive reviews are generic, off-topic or nonsensical.
From New York Times • Aug. 5, 2023
I made it through homeroom without speaking to anybody and was just settling in for a nice period of off-topic journal writing in Miss Palma’s class when the intercom blared, calling me to the office.
From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
