offing UK /ˈɒfɪŋ/US /ˈɔfɪŋ/noun 3forms 1phrases 1 noun3 •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.I came to an Anchor in seven fathomes water in the offing to Sea. — 1610 •(figurative) The foreseeable future. Chiefly in the phrase in the offing. •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.[…] till I saw the Land tun out a great Length into the Sea, at about the Distance of four or five Leagues before me, and the Sea being very calm I kept a large, offing to make this Point; […] — 1719 formsoffings Phrases with offing in the offingWithin the area of the sea known as the offing; at a considerable distance from land, but visible from shore, often in reference to an approaching ship.
