offshoot

noun

off·​shoot ˈȯf-ˌshüt 

1

a

: a collateral or derived branch, descendant, or member : outgrowth

b

: a lateral branch (as of a mountain range)

2

: a branch of a main stem especially of a plant

Synonyms

• outgrowth
• shoot
• sprout

Examples of offshoot in a Sentence

The business started as an offshoot of an established fashion design company.

we knew the rosebush had survived the harsh winter when it began producing offshoots and turning green again

Recent Examples on the Web

The prevailing theory is that the powers that be want to position the offshoot under the umbrella of parent company Paramount Global. —Charlie Mason, TVLine, 14 Feb. 2025

The character’s not as devilish on this funky offshoot, but the concept still lands. —Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025

Turkey has tried peace negotiations with the PKK before, to no avail. Turkey, fearing that the empowerment of the PKK’s Syrian offshoot would embolden the broader organization, initiated peace negotiations with Ocalan in 2013. —Halil Karaveli, Foreign Affairs, 3 Feb. 2025

Competition For The Lancet The Lancet, made by Kalashnikov offshoot ZALA, is Russia’s standard long-range loitering munition. —David Hambling, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

offshoot

noun

off·​shoot ˈȯf-ˌshüt 

1

: something that branches out from something else

2

: a branch of a main stem of a plant