offshoot

noun

off·​shoot ˈȯf-ˌshüt How to pronounce offshoot (audio)
Synonyms of offshootnext
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.
Lakurawa – an offshoot of Boko Haram – has become increasingly deadly this year, often targeting remote communities and security forces, and hiding in the forests between states. Kara Fox, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025 Performative stuff like a joint quiz is so transparent when the real world still acts like it as a sport played by men, with a little offshoot to let the women play. Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025 Also known as the Weathermen, the group emerged as a small offshoot of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) after the organization fractured in 1969, according to the FBI. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025 Plus, an offshoot from the bag charm trend of 2024, Labubus allowed increasingly price-sensitive shoppers to spice up their existing luxury pieces with fun and affordable additions. Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 18 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 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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