get off

verb

got off; got off or gotten off; getting off; gets off

intransitive verb

1
: to avoid the most serious consequences of a dangerous situation or punishment
got off with a light sentence
2
: start, leave
got off on the trip early
3
: to leave work with permission or as scheduled
4
: to get high on a drug
5
: to experience orgasm
6
: to experience great pleasure
often used with on

transitive verb

1
: to secure the release of or procure a modified penalty for
his lawyers got him off
2
a
: utter
get off a joke
b
: to write and send
3
: to succeed in doing, making, or delivering
4
: to cause to get off

Examples of get off in a Sentence

told him to get off for home before it got dark breakfast helps you get off to a good start in the morning
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.
Araiza has a booming leg and got off a 72-yarder in 2024. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025 Almost three months have passed since that move was made, and in that time, Pickens has not only gotten off on the right foot both on and off the field with the team, he’s formed a close friendship with the man looking for some help all along in Lamb. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2025 The 23-year-old did get off to a strong start this year, recording a triple-double in Indiana’s season opener. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025 Miami got off to a quick start in the bottom of the first, capitalizing on two walks and an RBI single from Agustin Ramirez that sent Xavier Edwards home and put the Marlins up 1-0. Kaitlyn Pohly, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025 Spacecraft also sometimes get off the ground from the state. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 21 July 2025 Warren got off the mound slowly on the 69.5-mph knock, giving the Yankees no shot at recording an out at first. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 July 2025 Photograph: Qi Yang/Getty Images Here’s an evergreen take: There has never been a better time to get off social media. Boone Ashworth, Wired News, 19 July 2025 DeChambeau got off to a good start at The Open, parring the first three holes. Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of get off was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Get off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20off. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

get off

verb
1
: set out sense 2
got off on their camping trip
2
: to escape or help to escape punishment or harm

More from Merriam-Webster on get off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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