call off

verb

called off; calling off; calls off

transitive verb

1
: to draw away : divert
2
: cancel

Examples of call off in a Sentence

she was about to tell me the big news when her attention was called off by the arrival of another guest called off the party after half of those invited couldn't make it
Recent Examples on the Web Vanity Fair reported the exes called off their engagement just two weeks after the billionaire announced they were set to wed in his newspaper, The New York Post. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 2 June 2024 Aurora officers tried to pull over a driver in a red Mustang, the description given for Rodriguez-Balderrama’s car, but called off the chase after a short pursuit. Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 30 May 2024 The deputy was called off the pursuit when speeds again hit 100 mph as the chase neared Huntersville, the report said. Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 24 May 2024 Kinney was previously engaged to Lady Gaga, but the couple called off their engagement in 2016. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for call off 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'call off.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of call off was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near call off

Cite this Entry

“Call off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20off. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

call off

verb
1
: to draw away : divert
call off a dog
2
: cancel sense 2a
call off a meeting

More from Merriam-Webster on call off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!