off the record

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of off the recordnext
: not for publication
spoke off the record
remarks that were off the record

off-the-record

2 of 2

adjective

off-the-rec·​ord ˈȯf-ṯẖə-ˈre-kərd How to pronounce off-the-record (audio)
: given or made in confidence and not for publication
off-the-record comments

Examples of off the record 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.
Adjective
The paper reported that Williamson and Wilkins never met, had one off-the-record phone call, and exchanged emails during the course of Williamson’s reporting. — Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 In February, Carro held a 27-minute, off-the-record bench conference during an otherwise public hearing. — ABC News, 3 June 2026 Dialog has been described as Bilderberg (an off-the-record gathering of political and business elite) meets Silicon Valley salon. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Ars recently visited True Anomaly’s headquarters for an off-the-record tour, then sat down with Rogers to chat about the vision, risks, and rewards in True Anomaly’s orbit. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for off the record

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off the record was in 1920

Rhymes for off the record

See All Rhymes for off the record

Browse Nearby Words

off-the-rack
off the record
off-the-record
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Off the record.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off%20the%20record. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

off-the-record

adjective
: given or made privately and not meant for publication
off-the-record comments

More from Merriam-Webster on off the record

Nglish: Translation of off the record for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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