spin-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈspin-ˌȯf 

1

: the distribution by a business to its stockholders of particular assets and especially of stock of another company

also : the new company created by such a distribution

2

: a collateral or derived product or effect : by-product

also : a number of such products

the spin-off from the space program

3

: something that is imitative or derivative of an earlier work, product, or establishment

especially : a television show starring a character popular in a secondary role of an earlier show

spin off

2 of 2

verb

spun off; spinning off; spins off

transitive verb

: to establish or produce as a spin-off

the company spun off its computer division

spin off a new TV series

intransitive verb

: to establish or become a spin-off

Synonyms

Noun

• by-product
• derivate
• derivation
• derivative
• offshoot
• outgrowth

Examples of spin-off in a Sentence

Noun

a spin-off of the popular television series

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Her undeniable chemistry with the network cameras eventually led to her own spin-off series, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. —Esther Kang, People.com, 24 May 2025

Kevin Beggs, chair of the Lionsgate Television Group and Lionsgate chief content integration officer, said continuing belt-tightening at major studios and streamers amid industry consolidation and talk of legacy linear TV asset spin-offs meant selling new series into the market remained challenged. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025

Verb

Marner scooped up that puck and spun off Ekblad in one motion before hitting Matthews with a pass in stride. —Chris Johnston, New York Times, 17 May 2025

Disney — where not too long ago Chief Executive Bob Iger mused about spinning off ESPN — wasn’t alone in touting its commitment to the league. —Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1950, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for spin-off

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

Kids Definition

spin-off

noun

ˈspin-ˌȯf

1

: something that results from work done to produce a different product : by-product

household products that are spin-offs of space research

2

: something that imitates or comes from an earlier work or product

a spin-off of a hit TV show

Legal Definition

spin-off

noun

ˈspin-ˌȯf, -ˌäf

: a transfer of corporate assets to a subsidiary in return for a distribution to the shareholders of the corporation of all of the stock or controlling stock of the subsidiary without surrender of any stock by the shareholders of the corporation : a D reorganization involving a distribution of the stock of another company to the corporation's shareholders

also : a new company created by such a distribution compare split-off, split-up