out-of-the-way

[ out-uh v-thuh-wey ]
/ ˈaʊt əv ðəˌweɪ /

adjective

remote from much-traveled, frequented, or populous regions; secluded: an out-of-the-way inn up in the hills.
seldom encountered; unusual: out-of-the-way information.
giving offense; improper: an out-of-the-way remark.

Origin of out-of-the-way

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300

Definition for out of the way (2 of 2)

way 1
[ wey ]
/ weɪ /

noun

Origin of way

1
before 900; Middle English wei(gh)e, wai, Old English weg; cognate with Dutch, German Weg, Old Norse vegr, Gothic wigs; akin to Latin vehere to carry

SYNONYMS FOR way

3 scheme, device. See method.
4 detail, part.
7 space, interval.
10 track.
14 usage, practice, wont.

OTHER WORDS FROM way

way·less, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH way

way weigh weight

British Dictionary definitions for out of the way (1 of 2)

out-of-the-way

adjective (prenominal)

distant from more populous areas
uncommon or unusual

British Dictionary definitions for out of the way (2 of 2)

way
/ (weɪ) /

noun

adverb

Word Origin for way

Old English weg; related to Old Frisian wei, Old Norse vegr, Gothic wigs

Idioms and Phrases with out of the way (1 of 2)

out of the way

1

Not obstructing, hindering, or interfering, as in This chair is out of the way now, so you won't trip. This phrase also appears in get out of the (or one's) way, as in Would you please get your coat out of the way? or Get your car out of my way. [Mid-1500s]

2

Taken care of, disposed of, as in I'm glad we got these details out of the way.

3

In a remote location, as in This restaurant is a little out of the way. [Mid-1300s]

4

Unusual, remarkable, as in It was out of the way for him to praise his staff. [Second half of 1500s]

5

Amiss, in error, improper, as in The security guard checked all the locks and saw nothing out of the way. [Early 1200s] Also see go out of one's way.

Idioms and Phrases with out of the way (2 of 2)

way