English Reference

Word

takeoff

Phoneticstake·off, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈteɪˌkɔf/

UK/tˈeɪkɒf/

Definitions

01leaving the ground

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the moment when an airplane, bird, or rocket leaves the ground and starts to fly.

n. the act or process of an aircraft, rocket, or winged animal becoming airborne.

“The passengers were told to fasten their seatbelts before takeoff.”

“Heavy fog delayed every scheduled takeoff at the international airport, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded in the departure lounge.”

Pitfall

The plane made a takeoff.

The plane took off.

While 'takeoff' is a noun, English speakers usually use the phrasal verb 'take off' to describe the action itself.

Antonyms

02a funny imitation

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. a funny imitation of a person or a piece of writing that makes fun of them.

n. a satirical imitation or parody of a person, style, or work.

“The comedian did a hilarious takeoff of the president's speech.”

“The student revue featured a biting takeoff of the university administration, mocking their recent policy changes with sharp wit.”

Synonyms

03jumping point

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. the exact spot where a person or animal jumps off the ground.

n. the specific point or area from which a jumper or athlete leaves the ground.

“The long jumper missed the takeoff board and his jump didn't count.”

“The coach spent the afternoon correcting the gymnast's takeoff, as a slight misalignment was ruining her mid-air rotation.”

Synonyms

launch point

04construction measurement

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical

n. a list of all the materials needed for a building project.

n. the process of quantifying the materials and labour required for a construction project from blueprints.

“The contractor completed the takeoff to see how much wood the house needed.”

“An accurate material takeoff is essential during the bidding phase to ensure the project remains profitable despite fluctuating supply costs.”

Usage

often used in the phrase 'material takeoff'

05printing

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Printing Archaic · British English

n. the act of taking printed paper off a printing press.

n. the removal of printed sheets from a press.

“In the old factory, the takeoff was done by hand after each page was inked.”

“Historical accounts of the print shop describe the laborious takeoff process required before automated machinery was introduced.”

Etymology

Deverbal from take off.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domain

Printing

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference