takeoff

Or take-off

[teyk-awf, -of]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of takeoff¹

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

Example Sentences

Two hours after takeoff, the plane landed in Kolkata for a final refueling before its trans-Pacific flight.

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This week the FAA slowed takeoffs at several airports in response to growing shortages, including at air traffic control centers in Atlanta, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth.

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Crews have refused aircraft, abandoned takeoffs or diverted because fumes had filled their cabins.

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SpaceX must first demonstrate it can refuel the lander in Earth orbit in a complicated procedure after takeoff so it can carry out its lunar mission.

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A launch of its Lanyue lander, equipped to carry two taikonauts to the lunar surface, “validated” its landing and takeoff system, state media reported.

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Related Words

• blastoff 
• departure 
• liftoff