on-again, off-again

adjective

ˈȯn-ə-ˈgen-ˈȯf-ə-ˈgen How to pronounce on-again, off-again (audio)
: existing briefly and in an intermittent unpredictable way
on-again, off-again fads

Examples of on-again, off-again 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.
Panettiere's on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach were at the scene of her death, according to a police report obtained by CBS News. — News Editor, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Panettiere's on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the apartment when officers responded, according to a police report obtained by ABC News. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 Johnson and Martin had something of a tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship, which ultimately dissolved in 2025 after a long engagement. — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Oct. 2026 Explore See latest videos, charts and news Currently in production in Los Angeles and California’s Imperial Valley, the film will star Becky G as Maya Alvarado, the on-again, off-again love interest to Alex Guerrero, played by Carlos Sanson Jr. — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on-again, off-again

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of on-again, off-again was in 1946

Rhymes for on-again, off-again

See All Rhymes for on-again, off-again

Browse Nearby Words

on a full stomach
on-again, off-again
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Cite this Entry

“On-again, off-again.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on-again%2C%20off-again. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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