: highly unusual : bizarre
an off-the-wall sense of humor

Examples of off-the-wall in a Sentence

she does have some off-the-wall suggestions about home decorating
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Directed by first-timer Ben Jacobson, who also plays one of the leads, the film offers up nothing all that new under the sun, with a caper plot that’s too off-the-wall to be convincing. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025 Parker Posey is reminiscing on 25 years since her role in the 2000 film Best in Show, an off-the-wall spoof on dog shows by filmmaker Christopher Guest. Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025 Scott, in real life, is known for having off-the-wall ideas, and there’s some of that in Ness. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025 Archigram Ten revisits some of the group’s more off-the-wall ideas and explorations of modular and mobile structures. Morgan Meier, Curbed, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for off-the-wall

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-the-wall was in 1953

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Cite this Entry

“Off-the-wall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-the-wall. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

off-the-wall

adjective
: very unusual : bizarre
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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