get off

verb

got off; got off or gotten off; getting off; gets off

intransitive verb

1
: to avoid the most serious consequences of a dangerous situation or punishment
got off with a light sentence
2
: start, leave
got off on the trip early
3
: to leave work with permission or as scheduled
4
: to get high on a drug
5
: to experience orgasm
6
: to experience great pleasure
often used with on

transitive verb

1
: to secure the release of or procure a modified penalty for
his lawyers got him off
2
a
: utter
get off a joke
b
: to write and send
3
: to succeed in doing, making, or delivering
4
: to cause to get off

Examples of get off in a Sentence

told him to get off for home before it got dark breakfast helps you get off to a good start in the morning
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.
Set up your account today to capitalize on this chance and get off to a fast start with DraftKings Sportsbook. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 The friends took the J train through the rooftops of Brooklyn and got off at Broadway Junction, deep in the borough. Mary Jane Gibson, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2025 Last time out Buehler walked a career-worst seven batters, and things didn’t get off to a promising start on Sunday either when the Blue Jays tagged the veteran for back-to-back home runs out of the gate. Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025 For the next decade, Patrick had a recurring dream of getting off a school bus, but Kevin stayed on, no matter how much Patrick pleaded with him. Sam Gillette, People.com, 27 June 2025 In the United Kingdom — where The Beatles got off to a fantastic start before taking over the world — the group’s presence can always be felt on the charts via a handful of compilations. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Definitely had to club my hands more this season, not having the hockey thing and getting off to a little bit quicker start with that. Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 The tariff roller coaster rumbles on, and for American manufacturers, there’s no getting off the ride anytime soon. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2025 Even after being named an alternate captain this season, Samuelsson got off to a slow start and was at the center of one of the team’s most disappointing moments of the season when nobody stepped in to defend Tage Thompson after a dirty hit from Stefan Noesen. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 20 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of get off was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Get off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20off. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

get off

verb
1
: set out sense 2
got off on their camping trip
2
: to escape or help to escape punishment or harm

More from Merriam-Webster on get off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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