# takeoff

/ˈteɪˌkɔf/ (US) · /tˈeɪkɒf/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/takeoff
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. leaving the ground

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a funny imitation

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. jumping point

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. construction measurement

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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'

### 5. printing

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · British English

the act of taking printed paper off a printing press.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Please fasten your seatbelt before takeoff.
- The pilot waited for clearance from the control tower before beginning the takeoff roll down the runway.
- While the initial marketing campaign was slow, the product saw a rapid takeoff in sales once it was featured on a popular morning television show.

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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.