Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • adjective Of, relating to, or being merchandise, especially clothing, made in standard sizes; ready-made.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • adjective Intended to be worn without alterations; ready-to-wear; -- of clothing. Contrasted with made-to-order, custom-made.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective of clothing, US ready-made in a range of standard sizes

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective (especially of clothing) made in standard sizes and available from merchandise in stock

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

off + the + rack

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Examples

  • Although the ever-critical Gossip Girl as well as Blair Leighton Meester would likely be appalled at the notion of off-the-rack dresses

    The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com The Huffington Post News Editors 2012

  • Bespoke is still the bread and butter of Hamilton's operation, but last year the brand made its first move into the off-the-rack market with 1883, a line of sport shirts inspired by the quirky orders of its longtime customers Mr. Lovett's custom double-pocket western shirts with special bone buttons, for example.

    Don't Mess With Texas Bespoke Alexa Brazilian 2011

  • The fashion tome replays the first lady's greatest sartorial hits inauguration, state dinners, foreign trips and praises her mix of designer and less-expensive off-the-rack pieces -- you know, just like normal women!

    Michelle Obama's "Everyday Icon" style and the other woman behind the clothes The Reliable Source 2011

  • Trench coats from Burberry's off-the-rack collections start at about $700 and range up to about $6,000.

    Mink or Fox? The Trench Gets Complicated Paul Sonne 2011

  • It never ceases to amaze me how many "sour grape" whiners and complainers post to this site every time Petzal reviews a rifle that isn't off-the-rack at WalMart.

    Rifles of Interest: Remington Model 700 Custom Shop AWR II 2009

  • Unsatisfied with off-the-rack roman shades — too dinky and un-luxe — and horrified by custom curtain costliness, I noticed the industrial roller shade, an undervalued player on the scene.

    It Sara Ruffin Costello 2010

  • The new age had created a demand for off-the-rack, mass-produced clothing that could be sold in department stores.

    Peter Dreier: The Fire Last Time Peter Dreier 2011

  • Finally, wear a custom made garment only; off-the-rack never fit properly, and each woman is built slightly differently.

    What Women Are Saying About Clothing Today 2009

  • And while such an abode may cost less, it certainly shouldn't look like a cheap off-the-rack suit.

    Good Things in Small Packages William Boston 2010

  • It never ceases to amaze me how many "sour grape" whiners and complainers post to this site every time Petzal reviews a rifle that isn't off-the-rack at WalMart.

    Rifles of Interest: Remington Model 700 Custom Shop AWR II 2009

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