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.
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, 13 Nov. 2025 Interactions with oxygen give off a green and red glow. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025 There’s something so timeless about the burgundy-and-camel combo that gives off that cozy, effortless energy without trying too hard. Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025 About 30 minutes west of Dallas, Fort Worth still gives off that small-town feeling, where Western culture, a strong job market, and affordability collide. Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025 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 16 Nov. 2025.

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!