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
Researchers found little evidence that disease caused the die-off. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 July 2026 The wetland has absorbed toxic runoff from a warehouse fire before, resulting in a fish die-off. — Mack Baysinger follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Verb
The oats will die off slowly after a series of hard freezes. — Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 Many have died off, however, leaving three of us who are very close. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 7 June 2026 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

See All Rhymes for die-off

Browse Nearby Words

die of
die-off
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 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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