call off

verb

called off; calling off; calls off

transitive verb

1
: to draw away : divert
2
: cancel

Examples of call off in a Sentence

she was about to tell me the big news when her attention was called off by the arrival of another guest called off the party after half of those invited couldn't make it
Recent Examples on the Web The inability to land a superstar — and, in fairness, Zaidi did land Carlos Correa before the Giants called off the deal because of concerns raised by a physical examination — canceled out one of Zaidi’s strengths. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2024 Not all reasons for calling off a trip are covered under a standard travel insurance policy. Erica Lamberg, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 This marked the second time in a week that a tour by a beloved rock band was called off due to very visible problems involving a lead singer’s behavior on-stage. Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2024 In 2022, the state called off the previous attempt to execute Miller after being unable to connect an IV line to the 351-pound inmate. CBS News, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for call off 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'call off.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of call off was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near call off

Cite this Entry

“Call off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20off. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

call off

verb
1
: to draw away : divert
call off a dog
2
: cancel sense 2a
call off a meeting

More from Merriam-Webster on call off

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