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.
First, these different mineral mixes give off a variety of magnetic and electrical fields — which geologists can measure. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025 The restaurant, open since 2008, gives off a retro charm, with weathered metal signs outside, plus a ton of homey touches inside: wood tables and chairs, plants hanging everywhere, and even cute little table markers with KC icons and internet memes. Chandler Boese, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025 The liquid’s molecules give off unique signatures while passing through the M. smegmatis nanopores, similar to barcode scanning. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Dec. 2024 Of course, soon their charade becomes all too real, and their chemistry gives off sparks. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for give off 

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of give off was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near give off

Cite this Entry

“Give off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20off. Accessed 8 Jan. 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
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