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
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.
Each of the critter’s wings and hind limbs gave off a green photoluminescence, Roberson observed. Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025 And in Tennessee’s South Memphis, the methane gas turbines that power an xAI data center give off air pollutants contributing to smog and formaldehyde. Natalie Kainz, NBC news, 28 Oct. 2025 Oxygen emits either a greenish-yellow light (the most familiar color of the aurora) or a red light; nitrogen generally gives off a blue light. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 28 Oct. 2025 My husband loves that this particular style is infused with a touch of precious metal to give off a slight metallic sheen. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for give off

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Give off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20off. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

give off

verb
: emit sense 1a
gave off a sweet smell

More from Merriam-Webster on give off

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