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

Its medium-sheen lacquer surface doesn’t give off quite as much shine as other variations, but that subtly allows the refined colorways—like the options pictured here—to really pop. — Helena Madden, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2026

Diseased tissues give off a chemical compound that becomes gas and, scientists believe, could be used as a noninvasive way to assess who needs further screening. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

The color gives off a soft, romantic vibe—perfect for those brides who are marrying around Valentine’s Day. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026

Even its oracular title, One Boat, gives off an air of bathos. — Lola Seaton, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for give off

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

Kids Definition

give off

verb

: emit sense 1a

gave off a sweet smell