takeoff
Americannoun
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a taking or setting off; the leaving of the ground, as in leaping or in beginning a flight in an airplane.
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a taking off from a starting point, as in beginning a race.
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the place or point at which a person or thing takes off.
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a humorous or satirical imitation; burlesque.
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Machinery. a shaft geared to a main shaft for running auxiliary machinery.
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a branch connection to a pipe, electric line, etc.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of takeoff
First recorded in 1820–30; noun use of verb phrase take off
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.
Officials said Monday’s crash took place immediately upon takeoff.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026
Authorities ordered all MD-11s grounded in November after a Honolulu-bound UPS jet crashed just after takeoff from its Louisville, Ky., cargo hub.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
The Dutch woman who died was on the flight to Johannesburg and later briefly boarded a flight to Amsterdam but was removed prior to takeoff.
From Barron's • May 11, 2026
An air traffic controller had just told the Frontier pilot they were clear for takeoff and wished them a good night.
From BBC • May 9, 2026
Maybe this is why he always drives so fast, maybe he’s heading for takeoff.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
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.
