Definitions

off duty

[awf-doo-tee, -dyoo-, of-] / ˈɔfˈdu ti, -ˈdyu-, ˈɒf- /

ADVERB

not working

Synonyms

WEAK

at liberty on furlough on holiday on leave on one's own time on sabbatical on vacation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Platner pleaded ignorance—claiming that he had gotten inked with insignia while drunk and off duty in Croatia, and didn’t understand the horrific context until much later.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Hashimi charges into the breach with a head full of “improvements” she plans to make before Robby has even gone off duty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

Kirakosian said this incident likely resulted in an arrest because the agent was off duty.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

Recently, while he was off duty, a Rolls–Royce caught Caviness’s eye in a garage near a Maryland casino.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

The Temple of Lkossa housed worship halls, a library, studies, even a dormitory where candidates and unmarried Sons of the Six slept when off duty.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray