get off

verb

got off; got off or gotten off; getting off; gets off
Synonyms of get offnext

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.
Against Crawley, ‘Stuart Maynard’s Barmy Army’ chants filled the air as a first half strike from Gianmarco Di Biase and Danilo Orsi’s late penalty ensured Lindsey’s reign got off to the worst possible start. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 This amounts to the government getting off the backs of the people so big business can saddle up. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 And the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Sport and I did not get off to the best of starts. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 Taylor, 24, was the Rays’ first-round pick in 2023 out of TCU and got off to a good start in his pro career before struggling mightily at Double-A Montgomery in 2025. Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 Both teams got off to a blistering start with Minnesota leading 36-32 after one quarter, tying the league record for most points in an opening period. ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 Some of the top players in the field, though, did not get off to a good start. CBS News, 31 July 2026 While the defense got off to a fast start — which is typical in training camp — the offense has started to put together a string of quality performances during the first week of summer workouts. Mike Kaye july 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026 This isn’t necessarily a dig; all novel research likely requires some version of this mindset just to get off the ground. John Pavlus, Quanta Magazine, 31 July 2026

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 5 Aug. 2026.

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

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