spell off
C1 neutral intransitive intransitive
In simple words
to take turns spelling words out loud
Literal meaning: to spell in turns or in sequence
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
to compete by spelling words aloud in turn
"The finalists spelled off for nearly an hour before a winner was chosen."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Mostly used in American English in the context of spelling bees or old-fashioned classroom drills. It is quite uncommon in general conversation.
Commonly used with
contestants students class competition words spelling bee
Forms
Base
spell off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spells off
he/she/it
Past simple
spelled off
yesterday
Past participle
spelled off
have + pp
-ing form
spelling off
continuous
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Synonyms
compete in spelling spell aloud in turn
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