offside

American  

[awf-sahyd, of-] / ˈɔfˈsaɪd, ˈɒf- /

adjective

1. Sports. illegally beyond a prescribed line or area or in advance of the ball or puck at the beginning of or during play or a play.

   The touchdown was nullified because the offensive left tackle was offside.

2. with or in doubtful propriety or taste; risqué.

   an offside joke.

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offside British  

/ ˈɒfˈsaɪd /

adjective

1. sport (in football, hockey, etc) in a position illegally ahead of the ball or puck when it is played, usually when within one's opponents' half or the attacking zone

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noun

1. 1. the side of a vehicle nearest the centre of the road (in Britain, the right side)

   2. ( as modifier )

      the offside passenger door

Etymology

Origin of offside

First recorded in 1840–50; off + side ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

offside

Estevao had an early goal ruled out for offside before another fine near-post finish in the second half was disallowed - a marginal decision.

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026

The park opened up in front of her for a try which would have moved her into joint-second in the all-time list for England women, but she was pulled back mid-stride for being offside.

From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026

It would have been the perfect strike to mark an impressive few days but it was ruled out for offside, much to Wiegman's dismay.

From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026

Ferran Torres saw a goal ruled out for offside, was denied by a fine stop by England goalkeeper James Trafford, then rolled an effort wide of the post when clean through.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

I ran downfield and positioned myself in front of the goal, being careful not to get offside.

From "Facing the Lion" by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton and Herman Viola

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Related Words

• erroneous
• inaccurate
• mistaken
• sadly mistaken
• wrong

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