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.

Prosecutors said the 40 -year-old did this while off duty and on sick days to earn cash on the side of his day job.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

The exhibition opening at the King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace next Spring will chronicle Queen Elizabeth's life through the outfits she wore for public events and when off duty.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2025

The man says he’s going off duty now, he’ll take us to the police barracks where he has to report anyway, and they’ll see what can be done.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt