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
But the Neales have come a long way since their first neighborhood cook-off in 2015, which netted them a bowling trophy for best barbecue ribs. Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 The chili cook-off is from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and for $25, visitors can sample and vote for their favorite. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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 To reduce the risk of 105-millimeter rounds cooking off in the turret after an enemy hit, Leopard 1 crews stow only a few of the tank’s 42 rounds in the turret: the rest are tucked into the hull. David Axe, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 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

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Cite this Entry

“Cook-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cook-off. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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