give off

verb

gave off; given off; giving off; gives off

transitive verb

1
: to send out as a branch
2
: emit
gave off an unpleasant smell

intransitive verb

: to branch off

Examples of give off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If your generator makes excessive noise or gives off fumes, it will be shut off. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 28 Mar. 2024 The silicone is a good level of squishy – firm, yet soft – and gives off a strong, but not too strong, spray. Joel Balsam, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2024 An infestation will give off a musty, slightly sweet odor, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024 The former fits a top-down drive, while the latter gives off a nighttime, moody, rainy-day vibe, Clardy said. The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 One of the more darling pieces: this lovely rose bracelet that gives off palpable ciao bella! Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024 This dapper locale gives off the feel of a speakeasy, with low lighting, green and gold finishes around the seats and tables for about 45 people, and a 15-seat bar with a marble counter that is the center. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024 This past summer the singer-songwriter also stunned in an outfit that gave off similar vibes. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024 In the final measures of the third piece, four-note chords jangle against the elemental fifth of C and G, each giving off a smoky, sassy vibe. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'give 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

1831, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of give off was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near give off

Cite this Entry

“Give off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20off. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

give off

verb
: emit sense 1a
gave off a sweet smell

More from Merriam-Webster on give 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!