kill off

verb

killed off; killing off; kills off

transitive verb

: to destroy in large numbers or totally

Examples of kill 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.
One cloyingly adorable character is unceremoniously killed off largely as a plot device. Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025 After killing off Jon Hamm’s oil tycoon Monty Miller, the season one finale set up Tommy to take over his late boss’ oil company alongside Monty’s wife, Cami, played by Demi Moore. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025 And won't the heat of the oven kill off any possible bacteria? Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025 And recent outbreaks of the avian flu have killed off millions of waterfowl and shorebirds. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kill off

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kill off was in 1607

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kill off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kill%20off. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on kill 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!