variants or off-the-grid
: not connected to or served by publicly or privately managed utilities (such as electricity, gas, or water)
When folks move to an off-grid, rural homestead, they often end up burning a lot of fossil fuels (and spending a lot of money) driving to and from town in an inefficient farm truck.Cam Mather
Four Harvard University students are bringing portable, sustainable power to off-grid areas in developing countries …Emily Aviles
It's hard to imagine a more inspiring space than this off-the-grid building (powered by nearby solar panels).Samuel Cochran
Traditionally, home schooling has been branded as a fringe activity—the domain of Bible-toting parents and off-the-grid hippies.Lynn Schnaiberg
off the grid adverb
or less commonly off-the-grid or off-grid
Not everyone can live off the grid. At least not yet. But until then, many of us are doing simple things to conserve energy, save money and help the environment. Paul Singley
I'm not taking about modern-day Thoreaus building shacks in the woods and living off-the-grid Paul McFedries
Right now people who live off-grid with PV panels on their roofs rely on ordinary batteries to get through the night. George Johnson

Examples of off-grid 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.
Going completely off-grid is unrealistic for most of us today — much like never leaving your home. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025 From carbon removal to off-grid solar, the innovations were forwardthinking —but so were the questions. Sanam Mahoozi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 The cabin is somewhat secluded, offering privacy and an off-grid vibe while still being within a reasonable driving distance of Park City and all its adventures. Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 22 Mar. 2025 The home is even able to run completely off-grid using solar power and rain water collection equipment, which can be preinstalled upon request. Maggie Horton, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for off-grid

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-grid was in 1978

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Cite this Entry

“Off-grid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-grid. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

off-grid

adjective
variants or off-the-grid
: not connected to or served by publicly or privately managed utilities (as electricity, gas, or water)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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