off-trail

American

[awf-treyl, of-] / ˈɔfˈtreɪl, ˈɒf- /

adjective

away from a path or trail: to wander off-trail.

off-trail hiking;
to wander off-trail.

Etymology

Origin of off-trail

First recorded in 1895–1900

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.

Recalling my experience with Hanson, I suggested we go off-trail up the brushy slope.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Indeed, the spring warmth often serves up a bonus for skiers who prefer off-trail adventures: the opportunity to sleep a little later or have a leisurely breakfast while waiting for optimal conditions on the slopes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2025

Hendrick’s body was found nearby off-trail and his water bottle was empty, Bough said in a social media post.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 8, 2023

His body was found "off-trail nearby", officials say.

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2023

Here is an off-trail story that is guaranteed to make some of you take a very searching second look at some of the young men you know.

From My Father, the Cat by Slesar, Henry

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023