takeaway

or take-a·way

[ teyk-uh-wey ]

noun

1. something taken back or away, especially an employee benefit that is eliminated or substantially reduced by the terms of a union contract.
2. conclusions, impressions, or action points resulting from a meeting, discussion, roundtable, or the like:

   The takeaway was that we had to do a lot more work on the proposal before it could be shown to the governing board.

3. Chiefly British.
   1. a takeout restaurant:

      Let's pick something up at the Indian takeaway.

   2. food from a takeout restaurant:

      I get Chinese takeaway at least once a week.

4. Sports.
   1. (in hockey and football) the act of getting the puck or ball away from the team on the offense:

      The problem with most hockey statistics is they are not very consistent in how they determine takeaways and giveaways.

   2. (in golf) a backswing:

      I got him a video entitled “Improving the Takeaway in Your Golf Swing” for his birthday.

adjective

1. of or relating to what is or can be taken away:

   a list of takeaway proposals presented by management.

2. Chiefly British. takeout ( def 7 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of takeaway¹

1930–35 for earlier sense “train car for carrying logs”; 1960–65 takeaway fordef 5; take + away

Example Sentences

The takeaway message, whether intended or not, is clear: I became a complete woman when—and only when—I found a good man.

From The Daily Beast

But the real takeaway is that all this cash apparently has little influence on who wins or loses elections.

From The Daily Beast

The biggest takeaway: This is someone who really knows his music.

From The Daily Beast

For me, the takeaway from these results is that creativity—just like grit—does not occupy a separate sphere from academics.

From The Daily Beast

The real takeaway, though, was that not just anyone can be a great artist, but anyone can learn to draw.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• outcome
• result
• upshot