Definition of "offing" in English

noun

1. (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
   • I came to an Anchor in seven fathomes water in the offing to Sea.

2. (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.

3. (figuratively) The foreseeable future. Chiefly in the phrase in the offing.

verb

1. present participle and gerund of off