straightaway
Americanadjective
noun
adverb
adverb
noun
Etymology
Origin of straightaway
First recorded in 1870–75; from phrase straight away
Vocabulary lists containing straightaway
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Making that move on the straightaway was big because I knew it was one of our only chances to get a pass on Pato,” Palou said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 19, 2026
"Some guys, like Jannik and Carlos, they're just capable of showing up to the Australian Open, playing great tennis straightaway," he said.
From Barron's ● Jan. 3, 2026
"Fern came to us very underweight after raising five hungry pups outdoors, so we focused straightaway on building her back up with a really nutritious diet," Ms Pollen said.
From BBC ● Jan. 1, 2026
Experienced drivers can hit 170 mph on the back straightaway.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 9, 2025
“I’ll wait in the lobby. I want to leave straightaway when they get here.”
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
