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.
Szabo, who has overseen the city’s compliance with the settlement agreement, was questioned off and on during four hearing days. David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025 Rain is expected on Tuesday with off and on drizzle before 11 a.m. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025 The two wed in 2019, after her tumultuous relationship with Combs played out, off and on, between 2007 and 2018. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 15 May 2025 In fact, some version of it has worked here for about 126 years, off and on. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 4 Apr. 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 9 Jun. 2025.

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