cook-off

1 of 2

noun

: 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
In this live cook-off, top chefs and culinary challengers will go head-to-head, each putting their own unique spin on the classic New Orleans sandwich. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 30 June 2025 The event still aims to support local businesses, and some of the event’s founders are still actively involved — such as Mike Akey, the chili cook-off’s founder, head judge and vice president of the Ocean Beach Main Street Association. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2025
Verb
Drip tray Many electric grills have a drip tray or pan that catches the grease and fat that cooks off from your food. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025 That means the water has mostly cooked off, and the milk solids will then soon start to brown. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cook-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cook-off. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!