offset

UK: /ˌɒfˈsɛt/, /ˈɒfsɛt/

US: /n., adj. ˈɔfˌsɛt, ˈɑf-; v. ˌɔfˈsɛt, ˌɑf-/

US: (n., adj. ôf′set′, of′-; v. ôf′set′, of′-)

Inflections of 'offset' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

offsets

v 3rd person singular

offsetting

v pres p

offset

v past

offset

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

off•set /n., adj. ˈɔfˌsɛt, ˈɑf-; v. ˌɔfˈsɛt, ˌɑf-/   n., adj., v., -set, -set•ting. 
n. [countable]

1. something that makes up for something else.
2. the start, beginning, or outset.
3. Printing
   • Printing a process in which a metal or paper plate is used to make an inked imprint or mark on a piece of rubber that then transfers the mark or imprint to the paper being printed.
   • Printing the imprint or mark itself.

adj. 

4. of, noting, or relating to an offset.
5. Printing related to, printed by, or suitable for printing by offset.
6. placed away from a center line;
   off-center.
7. placed at an angle to something.

v. [~ + object]

8. to make up for:
   The gains offset the losses.
9. Printing to make an offset of.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

off•set  (n., adj. ôf′set′, of′-;v. ôf′set′, of′-), n., adj., v., -set, -set•ting. 
n. 

1. something that counterbalances, counteracts, or compensates for something else;
   compensating equivalent.
2. the start, beginning, or outset.
3. Botany a short lateral shoot by which certain plants are propagated.
4. an offshoot or branch of a family or race.
5. any offshoot;
   branch.
6. Printing Also called offset printing, offset lithography. [Lithog.]
   • Printing a process in which a lithographic stone or metal or paper plate is used to make an inked impression on a rubber blanket that transfers it to the paper being printed, instead of being made directly on the paper.
   • Printing the impression itself.
7. Printing Also called setoff. an unintentional transfer of excess or undried ink from one printed sheet to another.
8. Geology
   • (in faults) the magnitude of displacement between two previously aligned bodies.
   • a spur of a mountain range.
9. Mechanical Engineering [Mach.] a jog or short displacement in an otherwise straight and continuous line, as in a pipe, lever, or rod, made to avoid objects or to connect with other parts.
10. Architecture setoff (def. 3).
11. Surveying
    • a short distance measured perpendicularly from a main survey line.
    • Also called off′set line′. a line a short distance from and parallel to a main survey line.
12. [Naval Archit.] any of the coordinates by which any point on a hull being planned is located.

adj. 

13. of, noting, or pertaining to an offset.
14. Printing [Lithog.] pertaining to, printed by, or suitable for printing by offset.
15. placed away from a center line;
    off-center.
16. placed at an angle to something, as to the axis of a form, shape, or object;
    not parallel.

v.t. 

17. to counterbalance as an equivalent does;
    compensate for:
    The gains offset the losses.
18. to juxtapose with something else, as for purposes of comparison:
    to offset advantages against disadvantages.
19. [Print.]
    • Printing to make an offset of.
    • Printing to print by the process of offset lithography.
20. Architecture to build with a setoff, as a wall.
21. Surveying to establish (a line) parallel to a main survey line at an offset.

v.i. 

22. to project as an offset or branch.
23. Economics to counterbalance or compensate.
24. Printing to make an offset.

• after verb, verbal phrase set off 1545–55

Synonyms

• 2. onset.
• 17. match, parallel; counterweight, counterpoise; counteract.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

offset noun / ˈɒfˌsɛt/

1. something that counterbalances or compensates for something else
2. a printing method in which the impression is made onto an intermediate surface, such as a rubber blanket, which transfers it to the paper
3. (modifier) relating to, involving, or printed by offset: offset letterpress, offset lithography
4. another name for set-off
5. a short runner in certain plants, such as the houseleek, that produces roots and shoots at the tip
6. a ridge projecting from a range of hills or mountains
7. a narrow horizontal or sloping surface formed where a wall is reduced in thickness towards the top
8. a measurement of distance to a point at right angles to a survey line

verb / ˌɒfˈsɛt/ ( -sets, -setting, -set)

1. (transitive) to counterbalance or compensate for
2. (transitive) to print (pictures, text, etc) using the offset process
3. (transitive) to construct an offset in (a wall)
4. (intransitive) to project or develop as an offset