pass off

verb

passed off; passing off; passes off

transitive verb

1
: to make public or offer for sale with intent to deceive
2
: to give a false identity or character to

Examples of pass off in a Sentence

the con man tried to pass off a piece of blue glass as a sapphire
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.
The storm was around 155 miles southwest of Zihuatanejo, on Mexico's Pacific coastline, on June 30 and is expected to pass off the Baja California Peninsula this week. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 1 July 2025 Taking the ball out under the Celtics’ hoop, Hannum launched a 94-foot pass off the backboard into the hands of Bob Pettit, who had 39 points and 19 rebounds. The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 22 June 2025 Kamilla Cardoso bobbled an entry pass off her chest and into the hands of Stefanie Dolson. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025 May’s inflation report will offer the most definitive look at whether higher imports were passed off to customers, and the Consumer Price Index forecast is indicating just that. Kaylah Jackson, NBC news, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pass off

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pass off was in 1681

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pass off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pass%20off. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

pass off

verb
: to give a false identity to : describe untruthfully

Legal Definition

pass off

transitive verb
1
: to make public or offer for sale (goods or services) with intent to deceive : palm off
passing his product off as that of the plaintiff'sW. L. Prosser and W. P. Keeton
see also unfair competition
2
: to give a false identity or character to
they created the documents on the day of the trial and passed them off as being made earlier

More from Merriam-Webster on pass off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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