# spin off

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spin-off
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to create a new company, product, or television show from one that already exists.

For teachers: to separate a subsidiary or division from a parent company to form an independent entity; also used in media to describe the creation of a new series based on characters or themes from an existing work.

## Examples

- The studio decided to spin off the popular side character into her own show.
- After the merger, the corporation chose to spin off its tech division to focus on its core retail business.
- The conglomerate's decision to spin off its pharmaceutical arm was met with approval from shareholders seeking more specialized investment opportunities.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The company decided to spin of its smaller branch." but "The company decided to spin off its smaller branch." — the particle 'off' requires a double 'f'; 'of' is a preposition that does not function as a phrasal verb particle here.

## Usage notes

- often used in business and entertainment contexts; can be used transitively or intransitively.
- Teaching tip: useful for teaching business English and media vocabulary; contrast with 'branch out', which implies expansion rather than separation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.