English Reference
adjective · noun

odd

adj. · n.
US /ˈɑd/ UK /ˈɒd/ odd

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.strange, unusual, or not what you would expect.

    adj.differing from what is usual, ordinary, or expected; often carries a mild connotation of suspicion or eccentricity.

    Simple

    It was a bit odd that he didn't answer my phone call all day.

    In context

    The detective found it odd that the back door was unlocked, as the residents were notoriously meticulous about home security.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Math

    adj.a number like 1, 3, or 5 that cannot be divided exactly by two.

    adj.denoting an integer that is not divisible by two without a remainder.

    Simple

    The houses on this side of the street all have odd numbers.

    In context

    The algorithm is designed to ignore even-numbered entries and process only the odd ones in the data set.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.happening sometimes but not regularly, or being one extra part of a set.

    adj.occurring occasionally or at random intervals; also describing a single item remaining from a pair or set.

    Simple

    He earns a little extra money doing odd jobs for his neighbours.

    In context

    Apart from the odd rainy day, the weather during our three-week trek through the mountains was remarkably clear.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.used after a number to mean 'a little bit more than'.

    adj.used in combination with a round number to indicate an approximate quantity that is slightly higher than the stated figure.

    Simple

    There were thirty-odd people at the party last night.

    In context

    The project took twenty-odd years to complete, far exceeding the original timeline proposed by the architectural firm.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Informal

    n.small things that are left over from a larger group.

    n.miscellaneous items or remnants that do not belong to a complete set; usually used in the plural 'odds and ends'.

    Simple

    The drawer was full of odds and ends like old batteries and rubber bands.

    In context

    After the move, we were left with a box of odds and ends that didn't seem to fit into any specific room in the new house.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated