burn off
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to use up energy or fat by doing physical activity.
phrasal verb. to expend energy, calories, or fat through metabolic processes or physical exertion.
I need to burn off that big lunch.
Running for thirty minutes is a great way to burn off extra calories from the weekend.
Athletes often consume high-carbohydrate meals before a race, knowing they will burn off the energy during the intense physical competition.
usually takes 'calories', 'fat', or 'energy' as a direct object.
contrast with 'burn down' (destroy by fire) or 'burn out' (stop working); 'burn off' implies a process of elimination through use.
I burned off it at the gym.I burned it off at the gym.when using a pronoun like 'it', it must go between the verb and the particle.
Last updated April 24, 2026