OFF-HAND

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does off-hand mean? 

• OFF-HAND (adverb)
  The adverb OFF-HAND has 1 sense:

1. without preparation

  Familiarity information: OFF-HAND used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• OFF-HAND (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Without preparation

Synonyms:

ex tempore; off-hand

Context example:

I don't know the figures off-hand

 Context examples 

It was evident that Berks meant to finish the battle off-hand, whilst Jim, with two of the most experienced men in England to advise him, was quite aware that his correct tactics were to allow the ruffian to expend his strength and wind in vain.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He was surprised at my knowledge of the trains off-hand, but he does not know that I have made up all the trains to and from Exeter, so that I may help Jonathan in case he is in a hurry.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

This lady—dressed in an off-hand, easy style; bringing her nose and her forefinger together, with the difficulty I have described; standing with her head necessarily on one side, and, with one of her sharp eyes shut up, making an uncommonly knowing face—after ogling Steerforth for a few moments, broke into a torrent of words.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)