# takeoff

Pronunciation: US say "TAYK-awf" /ˈteɪkˌɔf/; UK say "TAYK-of" /ˈteɪkˌɒf/

## Noun

1. A launch or rise into the air or into flight, as by an aircraft, a rocket, a bird, or a high jumper.
   - Simple: The moment when a plane, rocket, bird, or jumper leaves the ground and goes up into the air.
   - _Passengers must keep their seat belts fastened during takeoff and landing._
   - _A powerful takeoff sent the high jumper soaring over the bar._
2. A parody that makes fun of someone or something by imitating them.
   - Simple: A funny copy of someone or something that makes fun of them.
   - _The sketch was a sharp takeoff on late-night talk shows._
   - _Her novel opens with a sly takeoff of a self-help bestseller._
3. The point from which one takes off, in particular the spot where a jumper leaves the ground.
   - Simple: The place you jump or take off from, like the spot where a jumper leaves the ground.
   - _Any jumper who steps beyond the takeoff is charged with a foul._
   - _The riders walked the course, checking the ground at the takeoff for each fence._
4. The initial move by which a surfer catches a wave and starts to ride it.
   - Simple: The first thing a surfer does to start riding a wave.
   - _On a steep, hollow wave, a late takeoff often ends in a wipeout._
   - _He practiced his takeoff on small waves until he could pop up in one smooth motion._
5. A count or measurement of quantities, especially of building materials.
   - Simple: Working out how much of something a job needs, especially building materials.
   - _The estimator ran a takeoff from the drawings to price the concrete and rebar._
   - _Accurate takeoffs keep a contractor from ordering too much lumber._
6. In printing, the removal of sheets from the press. *(UK)*
   - Simple: In old printing, taking the sheets of paper off the press.
   - _In the old shop, an apprentice handled the takeoff while the pressman inked the type._
   - _Careless takeoff could smudge the fresh ink before the sheets were hung to dry._

## Origin

Formed as a noun from the phrasal verb take off.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/takeoff (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).