1 C1 formal
(Nautical) to remain at a short distance from a coast, port, or vessel without docking or anchoring.
"The fleet lay off the coast for two days, waiting for the storm to pass."
inseparable
lie off
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
A nautical term meaning to remain at a distance from a shore, port, or another vessel without anchoring.
In plain English
When a ship stays floating away from the coast or a port without going in.
What does "lie off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To be positioned lying away from something.
Actually means
When a ship stays floating away from the coast or a port without going in.
Usage tip
Almost exclusively a nautical term. Rarely used outside of maritime contexts. Found in historical fiction, naval accounts, and technical maritime writing.
Words that pair with "lie off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
coast shore harbour port fleet vessel
How to conjugate "lie off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lie off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lies off
he/she/it
Past simple
lay off
yesterday
Past participle
lain off
have + pp
-ing form
lying off
continuous
Hear "lie off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lie off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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