give off

verb

gave off; given off; giving off; gives off
Synonyms of give offnext

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.
The object gave off some flames and smoke, but didn’t explode. Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026 Or maybe it is expected, in the sense that 20-year-old Liu—who gives off the vibe of a guru with good hair—clearly has an unusual perspective on success, failure, and everything in between. Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 6 Mar. 2026 When paired with a chunky throw and, perhaps a plaid throw, the duvet cover and shams practically give off visual warmth. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2026 The elder Junod gave off mixed messages, abusing his long-suffering wife while indulging his gifted son. Hamilton Cain, Time, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for give off

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of give off was in 1828

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Give off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20off. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

give off

verb
: emit sense 1a
gave off a sweet smell

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