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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the face of mounting criticism and legal opposition, the proposal was ultimately called off on March 14, with the school district citing financial hurdles. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2025 The tariff overhang – a completely optional campaign to tax global production and supply-chain efficiency that can be called off any time by one man – mocks efforts to offer good forecasts. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025 By Emily Tannenbaum April 17, 2025 Less than a month after Sydney Sweeney reportedly called off her wedding to Jonathan Davino, the actor got to see herself as a bride. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025 By then, Udoka was finally starting to call off the dogs. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for call off

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Call off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20off. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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
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