Peel off Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Physical action Usually involves physically removing something thin or flexible with your hands. She peeled off the sticker from her notebook. Pro Tip 2/3Gradual process The action can be slow and careful to avoid tearing or damaging the item. He slowly peeled off the band-aid from the wound. Pro Tip 3/3Not always literal Can be used metaphorically to express removing layers of meaning or complexity. We need to peel off the complex layers of this argument.