off-key

See also: offkey

English

Adjective

off-key (comparative more off-key, superlative most off-key)

1. (music) Above or below the correct note sequence; especially a vocalist out of sync with a separately recorded musical accompaniment
2. (by extension) Not harmonious, or out of accord.

Adverb

off-key (comparative more off-key, superlative most off-key)

1. An inaccurate note sequence that is either above or below where it is intended to be.
   • 1937, “They Can't Take That Away from Me”, Ira Gershwin (lyrics), George Gershwin (music):

     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

Related terms

• offkey

Anagrams

• key off