noun
liftoff
noun
1
The moment a rocket or aircraft leaves the ground at launch.
"Mission control counted down to liftoff."
"The rocket experienced a smooth liftoff at dawn."
2
The point at which someone or something begins to succeed or take off.
"The startup finally achieved liftoff after years of struggle."
How to Use Liftoff
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe exact moment something launches upward — literally a rocket, or figuratively a project taking off.
Common pairings
countdown to liftoff
achieve liftoff
Word Forms
liftoffs plural
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Etymology
Formed from the phrasal verb "lift off," describing the instant a vehicle leaves the ground.