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.
As Earth's atmospheric composition is dominated by oxygen and nitrogen, aurorae tend to give off a green hue (from the former) or a blue–pink–purple light (from the latter). Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 The design, which debuted in the house's Fall/Winter 2025 collection, featured off-the-shoulder sleeves and a sheer overlay with a large rose motif, giving off the impression that Saldaña got a huge floral tattoo on her sternum. Michelle Lee, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025 But there are titanium skid blocks that poke out a few millimeters from the plank's surface, and these are what make contact with the track surface when a car bottoms out (and before any wear to the plank), giving off a shower of titanium sparks. ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025 The opening gives off a slightly powdery vibe that quickly transitions into these gorgeous gummy fruity notes, that are simply beautiful. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 4 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Give off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20off. Accessed 29 Apr. 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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