takeoff
Takeoff (noun) means the moment a plane, rocket, bird, or jumper leaves the ground and becomes airborne. Example: “The pilot announced a short delay before takeoff.”
noun
1
The moment a plane, rocket, bird, or jumper leaves the ground and becomes airborne.
"The pilot announced a short delay before takeoff."
"The long jumper timed her takeoff perfectly at the board."
2
A comic imitation or parody of someone or something.
"The sketch was a takeoff of a famous action movie."
How to use takeoff
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe point where something leaves the ground — literally (a plane) or figuratively (a comedy sketch spoofing something).
Common pairings
takeoff and landing
cleared for takeoff
a comedic takeoff
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Word forms
- Plural
- takeoffs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pilot announced a short delay before _____.
Etymology
Formed from the phrasal verb take off, in the sense of "lifting into the air."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for takeoff
See all rhymes for takeoff →Frequently asked questions
What does “takeoff” mean?
The word “takeoff” means the moment a plane, rocket, bird, or jumper leaves the ground and becomes airborne. In plain terms, the point where something leaves the ground — literally (a plane) or figuratively (a comedy sketch spoofing something).
How do you use “takeoff” in a sentence?
Here is “takeoff” used in a sentence: “The pilot announced a short delay before takeoff.”
What is another word for “takeoff”?
Words with a similar meaning to “takeoff” include liftoff.
What part of speech is “takeoff”?
“Takeoff” is a noun.
Is “takeoff” a common word?
“Takeoff” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “takeoff” have?
“Takeoff” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the moment a plane, rocket, bird, or jumper leaves the ground and becomes airborne.
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