# takeaway

/ˈteɪkəˌweɪ/ (US) · /tˈeɪkəwˌeɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/takeaway
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a main message or piece of information you learn from a meeting, book, or event. It can also mean food you buy from a restaurant to eat somewhere else.

For teachers: a key fact, point, or idea to be remembered, typically derived from a discussion or presentation. In British and Commonwealth English, it also refers to a meal purchased from a restaurant for consumption elsewhere.

## Examples

- The main takeaway from the meeting is that we need more staff.
- After the three-day leadership workshop, my biggest takeaway was the importance of active listening in conflict resolution.
- While the presentation was dense with statistical data, the primary takeaway for the board was the urgent necessity of diversifying our international supply chains.

## Usage notes

- Often used with 'from' to indicate the source of the information or lesson.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.