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

Before takeoff, shippers deal with complex veterinary clearances, quarantines and equine paperwork.

From The Wall Street Journal

Archer’s suit escalates a long-simmering feud between Archer and Joby, as the companies race to bring electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles to market.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I was panicking all the way up to takeoff, I would've been stranded there by myself because they obviously separated our group into separate flights - it was a nightmare."

From BBC

Only smaller narrow-body jets, which can be readied for takeoff quicker than bigger aircraft, are being accepted, according to a person familiar with the procedure.

From The Wall Street Journal

During its economic takeoff at the turn of this century, China became the world’s largest coal importer.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blastoff
• departure
• liftoff