offshoot

noun

off·​shoot ˈȯf-ˌshüt How to pronounce offshoot (audio)
1
a
: a collateral or derived branch, descendant, or member : outgrowth
b
: a lateral branch (as of a mountain range)
2
: a branch of a main stem especially of a plant

Examples of offshoot in a Sentence

The business started as an offshoot of an established fashion design company. we knew the rosebush had survived the harsh winter when it began producing offshoots and turning green again
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.
Bill Kreutzmann has retired and is no longer part of the offshoot group’s shows; another member who did not sign on with Dead & Company, Phil Lesh, died earlier this year. Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025 Though the government's counter-offensive was able to largely contain the insurgency, footage surfaced of what appeared to be retaliatory attacks targeting the broader minority Alawite community, an offshoot of Shia Islam whose adherents live mainly in the western coastal region. arkansasonline.com, 11 Mar. 2025 Syria is now controlled by al-Qaeda offshoot HTS, led by an Islamist Jihadist who danced in the streets on 9/11, and who was responsible for the killing of many American soldiers. Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025 Additionally, Favreau directs and produces the upcoming feature offshoot, Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu, set for release in May 2026. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for offshoot

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of offshoot was in 1710

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Cite this Entry

“Offshoot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offshoot. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

offshoot

noun
off·​shoot ˈȯf-ˌshüt How to pronounce offshoot (audio)
1
: something that branches out from something else
2
: a branch of a main stem of a plant

More from Merriam-Webster on offshoot

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