noun

1. something that is set off, or has sprung or developed, from something else; offshoot; extension; branch; spur
2. anything that balances, counteracts, or compensates for something else; compensation
3. Rare outset
4. Archit. a ledge or recess formed in a wall by a reduction in its thickness above
5. Bot. a side shoot that takes root and starts a new plant
6. Elec. a branch off a main power line
7. Mech. a curve or bend in a metal bar, pipe, etc. to permit it to pass an obstruction
8. Printing
   1. offset printing
   2. an impression made by this process
   3. an ink smudge transferred from a freshly printed sheet to the one next to it
9. Surveying a short distance measured at right angles from the main line to help in computing the area of an irregular plot of ground

adjective

1. of, relating to, or being an offset
2. that is offset, off center, or at an angle

transitive verb offset -·set′, offsetting -·set′·ting

1. to balance, complement, counteract, compensate for, etc.
2. to make an offset in
3. Printing
   1. to make (an impression) by offset printing
   2. to smudge with an offset

intransitive verb

1. to come out or develop as an offset
2. Printing to make an offset