spell off

== English == === Pronunciation === Verb: (General American) IPA(key): /ˌspɛl ˈɔf/ (cot–caught merger) IPA(key): /ˌspɛl ˈɑf/ (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌspɛl ˈɒf/ Noun: (General American) IPA(key): /ˈspɛlˌɔf/ (cot–caught merger) IPA(key): /ˈspɛlˌɑf/ (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈspɛlˌɒf/ === Etymology 1 === ==== Verb ==== spell off (third-person singular simple present spells off, present participle spelling off, simple past and past participle spelled off or (chiefly UK) spelt off) In a spelling bee, of two or more participants, to spell words one after the other until a champion is determined. Usually refers to a series of rounds of spelling in which no spellers are eliminated. (loosely) To participate in a spelling bee. ==== Noun ==== spell off (plural spell offs) Alternative spelling of spell-off. === Etymology 2 === ==== Verb ==== spell off (third-person singular simple present spells off, present participle spelling off, simple past and past participle spelled off) (transitive) To relieve (a worker) temporarily by taking his or her place. === Further reading === “spell off”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.