cook-off

1 of 2

noun

: a cooking competition

cook off

2 of 2

verb

cooked off; cooking off; cooks off

intransitive verb

of a cartridge
: to fire as a result of overheating

Examples of cook-off in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Over the years, his charity has held countless events (including an annual cook-off, an annual laugh-off, and an annual walk-off) to raise money for the charity and its primary causes. Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 These include craft fairs, outdoor live music, pumpkin displays, chili cook-offs, s'mores and hot chocolate. Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
Cook, picking up any browned bits from bottom of Dutch oven using a wooden spoon, until mixture sputters, releases its water, and then cooks off and sizzles and onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. John T. Edge, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025 The El Cajon eatery serves Syrian and Mediterranean dishes, including barbecue meats cooked off a large indoor charcoal grill. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cook-off

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1936, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cook-off was in 1936

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Cook-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cook-off. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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