cook off

1 of 2

verb

cooked off; cooking off; cooks off

intransitive verb

of a cartridge

: to fire as a result of overheating

cook-off

2 of 2

noun

ˈku̇k-ˌȯf 

-ˌäf

: a cooking competition

Examples of cook off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Adding the tequila and Triple Sec to the syrup off the heat prevents the alcohol from cooking off. — Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026

If the surface of your steak is damp, the heat of the pan first has to cook off that water. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 May 2026

Noun

Fair-goers can expect thrilling new rides and exhibitions, along with traditional cook-offs and animal shows. — Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

The event also included arts and crafts, games and a barbecue cook-off, as well as pediatric education activities. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1945, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cook off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff