1 B1 neutral
To end a telephone call by replacing the receiver or disconnecting.
"She rang off before I had a chance to explain what had happened."
inseparable
ring off
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To end a telephone call by putting down the receiver.
In plain English
To finish a phone call and hang up — to put the phone down.
What does "ring off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To ring (the bell signal) and go off (end) the call.
Actually means
To finish a phone call and hang up — to put the phone down.
Usage tip
Primarily British English and becoming old-fashioned even there. 'Hang up' is now far more common globally. The phrase originated in the era of physical receivers being 'rung off' the line.
Words that pair with "ring off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
quickly abruptly immediately suddenly before I could speak
How to conjugate "ring off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ring off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rings off
he/she/it
Past simple
rang off
yesterday
Past participle
rung off
have + pp
-ing form
ringing off
continuous
Hear "ring off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "ring off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "ring off"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.