cook-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈku̇k-ˌȯf How to pronounce cook-off (audio)
-ˌäf
: a cooking competition

cook off

2 of 2

verb

cooked off; cooking off; cooks off

intransitive verb

of a cartridge
: to fire as a result of overheating

Examples of cook-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
Admission is free and a $20 taste wristband is required for the chili cook-off. — Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Feb. 2026 There’s also an engaged full-time community; expect events like chili cook-offs, festivals, live music, and more. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
If the surface of your steak is damp, the heat of the pan first has to cook off that water. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 May 2026 Rice finishes cooking off the heat. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cook-off

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1936, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cook-off was in 1936

Rhymes for cook-off

See All Rhymes for cook-off

Browse Nearby Words

Cook, Mount
cook-off
cook off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cook-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cook-off. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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