off and on

adverb

: 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.
The dog bed covers can usually be zipped off and on for simple machine washing and drying, which is important after spending time outside. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025 The bird has been drilling off and on since February. Joan Morris, Mercury News, 21 July 2025 Jax Taylor, real name Jason Cauchi, has been on our screens off and on since 2013. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 July 2025 Wafa Shafiq, a 26-year-old Canadian marketing professional and lifestyle influencer, has been job hunting off and on since winter 2024. Dalila Muata, NBC news, 11 July 2025 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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