Meanings
adjectiveoff-key (comparative more off-key, superlative most off-key)
comparative more off-key · superlative most off-key
- entertainmentAbove or below the correct note sequence; especially a vocalist out of sync with a separately recorded musical accompaniment
- broadlyNot harmonious, or out of accord.
adverboff-key (comparative more off-key, superlative most off-key)
comparative more off-key · superlative most off-key
- Being an inaccurate note sequence that is either above or below where it is intended to be.
The way your smile just beams / The way you sing off-key / The way you haunt my dreams / No, no—they can't take that away from me
1937, “They Can't Take That Away from Me”, Ira Gershwin (lyrics), George Gershwin (music)
Synonyms & antonyms
adjectiveinaccurate in pitch
Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.
Cite this entry
APA
off-key. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/off-key
MLA
“off-key.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/off-key. Accessed November 2, 2026.
Chicago
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “off-key,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/off-key.
Source: off-key on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.