off and on

adverb

Synonyms of off and onnext
: with periodic cessation : intermittently
rained off and on all day
off-and-on adjective
They have an off-and-on relationship.
off-and-on work

Examples of off and on in a Sentence

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.
Gadiano worked in the fields off and on from childhood into middle age. Kerry Klein, NPR, 31 Mar. 2026 That action could be done on a seasonal basis, or off and on during the summer. Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026 McCartney has been open about having been in the studio off and on for years, largely with producer Andrew Watt, and about having plans to finally release a new album in 2026. Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026 The Mackinac Bridge was closed and opened off and on in recent days because of the weather. Paula Wethington, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for off and on

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off and on was in 1535

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Cite this Entry

“Off and on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off%20and%20on. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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