takeoff

American  

[teyk-awf, -of] / ˈteɪkˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

Or take-off

noun

1. a taking or setting off; the leaving of the ground, as in leaping or in beginning a flight in an airplane.

2. a taking off from a starting point, as in beginning a race.

3. the place or point at which a person or thing takes off.

4. a humorous or satirical imitation; burlesque.

5. Machinery. a shaft geared to a main shaft for running auxiliary machinery.

6. a branch connection to a pipe, electric line, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of takeoff

First recorded in 1820–30; noun use of verb phrase take off

Example Sentences

Of course, the conditions in Westwood last season weren’t ideal for takeoff.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Ready for takeoff — Air New Zealand’s economy sleep pods.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

The change adds about an hour of flight time and an extra, fuel-intensive takeoff from Changi Airport.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

For Victor Glover -- the first person of color to fly around the Moon -- a lot of that raw delight arrived at takeoff.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

Commander Yevdokia Bershanskaya cleared her pilots for takeoff.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Related Words

• blastoff
• departure
• liftoff