1 B2 neutral
To complete or conclude something with a special or remarkable final element.
"A fireworks display capped off the festival perfectly."
separable
cap off
B2 informal separable transitive
To bring something to a conclusion with a final, often memorable or climactic element.
In plain English
To end or finish something in a special or notable way.
What does "cap off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To achieve a final, crowning success in a career, series of events, or performance.
"She capped off a brilliant season by winning the championship."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place a cap on the end of something.
Actually means
To end or finish something in a special or notable way.
Usage tip
More flexible than 'cap it off' as it can take noun objects directly (e.g., 'cap off the evening', 'cap off a great career'). Common in journalistic writing and sports commentary.
Words that pair with "cap off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
evening career season ceremony performance victory
How to conjugate "cap off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cap off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
caps off
he/she/it
Past simple
caped off
yesterday
Past participle
caped off
have + pp
-ing form
caping off
continuous
Hear "cap off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cap off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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