give off

verb

gave off; given off; giving off; gives off
Synonyms of give offnext

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.
Diseased tissues give off a chemical compound that becomes gas and, scientists believe, could be used as a noninvasive way to assess who needs further screening. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 The color gives off a soft, romantic vibe—perfect for those brides who are marrying around Valentine’s Day. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026 Even its oracular title, One Boat, gives off an air of bathos. — Lola Seaton, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026 And some manage the difficult trick of tasting like fall without giving off loads of scented-candle energy. — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for give off

See All Rhymes for give off

Browse Nearby Words

give of
give off
give of one's time
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Give off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20off. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

give off

verb
: emit sense 1a
gave off a sweet smell

More from Merriam-Webster on give off

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for give off

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