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.
"I'm going to go off topic for a second here," an apparently pre-prepared Smith told a press conference when asked about the criticism.
From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025
Over the course of the proceedings, attorneys making upwards of $2,600 an hour veered off topic to share their Claire’s stories.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025
Minutes into his trial, Ryan Routh, the man accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump, got cut off by the judge for veering off topic.
From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025
Daniels, dressed in all black, wearing glasses and her long blonde hair pulled back, was a complicated and imperfect witness, who was scolded by the judge, Juan Merchan, for wandering off topic.
From New York Times • May 7, 2024
Likewise, they would be silenced if their speeches veered off topic.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
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.
