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
However, state wildlife officials say the die-off may actually be good news for the waterway. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026 This means that, even if there is a large die-off rate, tick populations are still growing rapidly. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026
Verb
The iconic tule elk, some of which were fenced in on the northern part of the peninsula to keep them from competing for grassland with cows, were dying off. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Frequently asked questions Grass doesn’t last forever, and as individual blades die off from age, disease, pets, and everyday wear, your lawn will gradually thin out if there are no new seeds to replace them. — Amanda Tust, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

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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 22 Aug. 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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