offing

Definition

The area of the sea in which a ship can be seen in the distance from land, excluding the parts nearest the shore, and beyond the anchoring ground.

Etymology

From off + -ing. Attested since before 1600. Early texts also spell the term offin and offen.

Example Sentences

• "to see (a ship) in the offing"
• "I came to an Anchor in seven fathomes water in the offing to Sea."
• "September 30, 1659. I, poor miserable Robinson Crusoe, being shipwreck'd during a dreadful Storm, in the offing, came on Shore on this dismal, unfortunate Island, which I call'd the Island of Despair, all the rest of the Ship's Company being drown'd, and my self almost dead."