1. a sudden or widespread death of animals or plants in a particular area or population
Usage: often used in ecology and environmental contexts

Examples

• The coral die-off was caused by rising ocean temperatures.
• Scientists are investigating the fish die-off in the lake.
• A massive die-off of bees has threatened crop pollination.
• The drought led to a die-off of vegetation across the region.
• Researchers documented the die-off of sea stars along the coast.
• The die-off of trees in the forest was attributed to disease.