die-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈdī-ˌȯf How to pronounce die-off (audio)
: a sudden sharp decline of a population of animals or plants that is not caused directly by human activity

die off

2 of 2

verb

ˈdī-ˈȯf How to pronounce die off (audio)
died off; dying off; dies off

intransitive verb

: to die sequentially either singly or in numbers so that the total number is greatly diminished

Examples of die-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.
Noun
But the 2023 conditions were also favorable for the spread of diseases MSX and Dermo, which can cause die-offs in oyster reefs. — Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2025 Fluctuating temperatures like those the metro experienced over the past week also contribute to their die-offs. — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
Some of the luckiest rat lungworm victims don't need treatment and make full recoveries after the larvae die off on their own. — Ars Technica, 11 Mar. 2025 That's almost a year after the solo Skype app dies off in May 2025. — Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for die-off

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1936, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1697, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of die-off was in 1697

Rhymes for die-off

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Browse Nearby Words

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die-off
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Cite this Entry

“Die-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/die-off. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

die-off

noun
ˈdī-ˌȯf
: a sudden sharp drop in the numbers of plants or animals in a group
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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