offing
Americannoun
-
the more distant part of the sea seen from the shore, beyond the anchoring ground.
-
a position at a distance from shore.
idioms
noun
-
the part of the sea that can be seen from the shore
-
likely to occur soon
Etymology
Origin of offing
Explanation
The offing is what's predicted or promised in the future. If you accompany your friend to a family gathering but there doesn't seem to be any food available, you might ask if any snacks are in the offing. In the offing means "impending" or "in the near future." When your teacher tells you a quiz is in the offing this week, you know it's time to study for it. Offing's nautical meaning is the most distant part of the ocean seen from land, or an area that's far enough from the shore that it's safe for a ship to travel. This literal "at a distance" definition led to the figurative use that's more common today.
Vocabulary lists containing offing
"The Odyssey," Vocabulary from Part 1 of the epic poem
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The Castle
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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.
Deals are still in the offing for the time being, though, since many builders are trying to get unsold homes off their books.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 16, 2026
With the SpaceX IPO in the offing, however, Nasdaq reduced its “seasoning” period to only 15 days and removed the 10% threshold.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
He promised that a “much better deal” was in the offing.
From Slate • May 1, 2026
And if rumors are to be believed, more firings could be in the offing.
From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026
He scented a new story in the offing.
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
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.
