1 B2 neutral
Of animals, plants, or people: to die gradually in large numbers, one by one.
"The old generation of jazz musicians has been dying off for decades."
die off
B2 neutral intransitive
To die one by one until a group is greatly reduced or gone entirely.
In plain English
When the members of a group die, one after another, until very few or none are left.
What does "die off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
Of a species or population: to decrease steadily in number due to disease, habitat loss, or other threats.
"Bees are dying off at an alarming rate due to pesticide use."
Usage tip
Used for populations, species, generations, or groups. Implies a gradual process of attrition. Slightly less final-sounding than 'die out' — the group may survive in reduced numbers. Common in biology, ecology, and journalism.
Words that pair with "die off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
species population generation bees coral elders
How to conjugate "die off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
die off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dies off
he/she/it
Past simple
died off
yesterday
Past participle
died off
have + pp
-ing form
diing off
continuous
Hear "die off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "die off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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