cast-off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal (as noun/adjective); formal/technical (in nautical verb use)
Quick answer
What does “cast-off” mean?
something (often clothing) that has been discarded or rejected by its owner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
something (often clothing) that has been discarded or rejected by its owner; abandoned or rejected.
A person or thing that has been rejected or abandoned; also used in nautical contexts for releasing a rope or line.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Noun/adjective usage is common in both. The nautical and knitting verb uses are identical.
Connotations
In both, 'cast-off clothing' carries a neutral-to-slightly negative connotation of being second-hand or worn out.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English, particularly in the context of 'jumble sales' or charity shops.
Grammar
How to Use “cast-off” in a Sentence
[someone] casts off [something][something] is cast offa cast-off [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cast-off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll cast off the stern line first.
- She finished the sleeve and cast off neatly.
American English
- The captain ordered the crew to cast off.
- After knitting the last row, she cast off.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in logistics ('cast-off inventory') or HR contexts metaphorically.
Academic
Used in literary/sociological studies to discuss discarded objects or social outcasts.
Everyday
Common when discussing second-hand items, charity donations, or clearing out clutter.
Technical
Standard in nautical terminology and knitting patterns.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cast-off”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cast-off”
- Using 'casted-off' (incorrect past participle; correct is 'cast off').
- Confusing 'cast-off' (adj/noun) with 'cast off' (verb).
- Using it for abstract concepts where 'reject' or 'abandon' is better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used as a noun ('a cast-off') or adjective ('cast-off clothes'). The verb phrase is not hyphenated ('to cast off').
Yes, but it can be offensive. It metaphorically describes someone rejected or abandoned by a group or society (e.g., 'a social cast-off'). Use with caution.
It's irregular: 'cast off' (present), 'cast off' (past), 'cast off' (past participle). Never 'casted off'.
They are often synonymous for clothing. 'Hand-me-down' can imply a gentler, planned passing on within a family. 'Cast-off' can carry a stronger sense of being unwanted or discarded.
something (often clothing) that has been discarded or rejected by its owner.
Cast-off is usually informal (as noun/adjective); formal/technical (in nautical verb use) in register.
Cast-off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːst ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæst ɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cast-off the old skin”
- “cast-off one's inhibitions”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine CASTing a piece of clothing OFF a cliff to discard it. A CAST-OFF is something cast off.
Conceptual Metaphor
REJECTION IS PHYSICAL THROWING AWAY; SOCIAL EXCLUSION IS DISCARDING AN OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'cast-off' typically describe when referring to an item?