drop-off

[ drop-awf, -of ]
/ ˈdrɒpˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun

a vertical or very steep descent: The trail has a drop-off of several hundred feet.
a decline; decrease: Sales have shown a considerable drop-off this year.
a place where a person or thing can be left, received, accommodated, etc.: a new drop-off for outpatients.

adjective

applied when a rented vehicle is left elsewhere than at the point of hire: to pay a drop-off charge.

Origin of drop-off

First recorded in 1955–60; noun, adj. use of verb phrase drop off

Definition for drop off (2 of 2)

Origin of drop

before 1000; (noun) Middle English drop(e) drop of liquid, Old English dropa; (v.) Middle English droppen, Old English droppian; akin to drip, droop

OTHER WORDS FROM drop

drop·like, adjective un·dropped, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for drop off (1 of 2)

drop off

verb (adverb)

(intr) to grow smaller or less; decline
(tr) to allow to alight; set down
(intr) informal to fall asleep

noun drop-off

a steep or vertical descent
a sharp decrease

British Dictionary definitions for drop off (2 of 2)

drop
/ (drɒp) /

noun

verb drops, dropping or dropped

noun, verb

rugby short for drop kick or drop-kick

Word Origin for drop

Old English dropian; related to Old High German triofan to drip

Medical definitions for drop off

drop
[ drŏp ]

n.

The smallest quantity of liquid heavy enough to fall in a spherical mass.
A volume of liquid equal to 176 of a teaspoon and regarded as a unit of dosage for medication.
A small globular piece of candy, usually readily dissolved in the mouth.

v.

To fall, be dispensed, or poured in drops.

Idioms and Phrases with drop off (1 of 2)

drop off

1

Fall asleep, as in When I looked at Grandma, she had dropped off. [Early 1800s]

2

Decrease; also, become less frequent. For example, Sales have dropped off markedly, or Over the year her visits dropped off. [Early 1800s]

3

Deliver, unload, as in Bill dropped off the package at the office.

4

Die, as in He is so ill he could drop off any time. [Early 1800s]

Idioms and Phrases with drop off (2 of 2)

drop