Definition

Adjective

  • In sight of land but with adequate sea room to maneuver.

Origin

Probably earlier than the 17th century. Likely a sailor’s coined term for being off from shore.

Comments

This term also refers to the sea visible from the shore or beyond where a vessel is anchored. Offing would also be the distance a ship keeps away from land due to fog or navigational hazards.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

King, D., Hattendorf, J.B, & Estes, J.W. (1997). A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion for Patrick O’Brian’s Seafaring Tales (2nd Ed.). Owl Books.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.