off-screen
adverb or adjective
variants
or offscreen
1
: out of sight of the movie or television viewer
a shot fired off-screen
Before long, Anthony introduces himself to the family pooch, who is whooshed away to an off-screen death.—
Kris Turnquist
Kris Turnquist2
: in private life : when not appearing in a movie, on television, etc.
Moyer's off-screen magnetism comes from a down-to-earth friendliness.—Kate Hahn
Kate HahnPfeiffer, 34, remains a mystery woman offscreen.—Michael A. Lipton
Michael A. LiptonExamples of off-screen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Barber played the no-nonsense father of Sheldon, whose life is similarly private off-screen.
—Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
The pair also leaned into the rumors of their off-screen romance.
—Peter White, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Asked about her relationship with Bell off-screen, Lupe beamed.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
The trend rewards consistency over expertise — and a calendar that looks fuller off-screen than on it.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
While The Jackson 5 were revered as pop sensations, their off-screen life started in a humble Indiana bungalow.
—India Roby, Architectural Digest, 4 May 2026
In a blink-and-you’ll miss it moment as every key character is introduced, Pratt’s Malfoy was seen in one shot pulling his wand out (presumably to intimidate an off-screen Harry).
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 4 May 2026
The show returned in October of that year and featured every original cast member except Barr, whose character's disappearance was explained by an off-screen death.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Officers then swarm toward the man off-screen.
—Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026
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Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
The pair also leaned into the rumors of their off-screen romance.
—Peter White, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Asked about her relationship with Bell off-screen, Lupe beamed.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
The trend rewards consistency over expertise — and a calendar that looks fuller off-screen than on it.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
While The Jackson 5 were revered as pop sensations, their off-screen life started in a humble Indiana bungalow.
—India Roby, Architectural Digest, 4 May 2026
In a blink-and-you’ll miss it moment as every key character is introduced, Pratt’s Malfoy was seen in one shot pulling his wand out (presumably to intimidate an off-screen Harry).
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 4 May 2026
The show returned in October of that year and featured every original cast member except Barr, whose character's disappearance was explained by an off-screen death.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Officers then swarm toward the man off-screen.
—Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Off-screen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-screen. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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