adj
Uncommon
offside
of-SYD
Offside (adj) means In an illegal position ahead of the ball or play, according to the rules of a sport such as soccer or hockey. Example: “The goal was disallowed because the striker was offside.”
adj
1
In an illegal position ahead of the ball or play, according to the rules of a sport such as soccer or hockey.
"The goal was disallowed because the striker was offside."
noun
1
In the UK, the side of a vehicle furthest from the curb — the right-hand side when driving on the left.
"The offside mirror was cracked in the accident."
"My offside wing mirror got snapped off."
How to use offside
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rule violation in sports where a player is positioned illegally ahead of play, or (in British English) the driver's side of a vehicle.
UK vs US
The vehicle-side meaning is mainly British English; American English doesn't use "offside" this way.
Common pairings
called offside
the offside rule
offside wing mirror
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like offside.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- offsides
- Comparative
- more offside
- Superlative
- most offside
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The goal was disallowed because the striker was _____.
Etymology
From off plus side.
Synonyms
View more →
offsides
Antonyms
onside
nearside
Related words
Rhymes for offside
See all rhymes for offside →Frequently asked questions
What does “offside” mean?
The word “offside” means in an illegal position ahead of the ball or play, according to the rules of a sport such as soccer or hockey. In plain terms, a rule violation in sports where a player is positioned illegally ahead of play, or (in British English) the driver's side of a vehicle.
How do you pronounce “offside”?
“Offside” is pronounced of-SYD (/ɒfˈsaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “offside” in a sentence?
Here is “offside” used in a sentence: “The goal was disallowed because the striker was offside.”
What is the opposite of “offside”?
The opposite of “offside” — its antonyms — is nearside.
What part of speech is “offside”?
Depending on how it is used, “offside” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “offside” a common word?
“Offside” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “offside” have?
“Offside” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in an illegal position ahead of the ball or play, according to the rules of a sport such as soccer or hockey.
