offing

== English == === Etymology === From off +‎ -ing. Attested since before 1600. Early texts also spell the term offin and offen. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈɒfɪŋ/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈɔfɪŋ/, /ˈɑfɪŋ/ Rhymes: -ɒfɪŋ, -ɔːfɪŋ === Noun === offing (plural offings) (nautical) 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. to see (a ship) in the offing 1610, Samuel Argall, quoted 1625, by Samuel Purchas, Purchas His Pilgrimes, p84 I came to an Anchor in seven fathomes water in the offing to Sea. (nautical) The distance that a ship at sea keeps away from land, often because of navigational dangers, fog and other hazards; a position at a distance from shore. (figuratively) The foreseeable future. Chiefly in the phrase in the offing. ==== Coordinate terms ==== (nautical range of sight): ken ==== Derived terms ==== in the offing === Verb === offing present participle and gerund of off === References === === Anagrams === goniff