off-key - Wiktionary, the free dictionary (original) (raw)

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

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.

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

  1. Being 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