liftoff

American  

[lift-awf, -of] / ˈlɪftˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

Or lift-off

noun

1. Aeronautics, Rocketry.

   1. the action of an aircraft in becoming airborne or of a rocket in rising from its launching site under its own power.

   2. the instant when such action occurs.

2. Informal. the launching or commencement of a project, plan, etc..

   The liftoff of the sales campaign will be next month.

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adjective

1. able to be shifted or removed by lifting off; capable of being lifted off.

   I organized the workshop with these liftoff adhesive labels for bins and shelves.

   We used magnetic liftoff nameplates on the lockers.

liftoff British  

/ ˈlɪftˌɒf /

noun

1. the initial movement or ascent of a rocket from its launch pad

2. the instant at which this occurs

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verb

1. (intr, adverb) (of a rocket) to leave its launch pad

Etymology

Origin of liftoff

First recorded in 1955–60; noun and adjective use of verb phrase lift off

Example Sentences

Liftoff Mobile has postponed its initial public offering, citing market conditions after another day of sharp declines in stocks.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Liftoff Mobile, despite a $25.6 million loss in the first nine months of last year, saw sales grow 30% and seeks to raise $762 million.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

Liftoff a month later succeeded, but the rocket had to be destroyed after its second stage failed to ignite properly.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 6, 2023

Liftoff had been delayed a day for additional data reviews of the capsule’s life-support system.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 26, 2023

Liftoff was routine until the ship reached the safe transition distance of ten diameters out.

From Fearful Symmetry A Terran Empire novel by Wilson, Ann

Related Words

• launch