liftoff

or lift-off

[ lift-awf, -of ]

noun

1. Aeronautics, Rocketry.
   1. the action of an aircraft in becoming airborne or of a rocket in rising from its launching site under its own power.
   2. the instant when such action occurs.
2. Informal. the launching or commencement of a project, plan, etc.:

   The liftoff of the sales campaign will be next month.

adjective

1. able to be shifted or removed by lifting off; capable of being lifted off:

   I organized the workshop with these liftoff adhesive labels for bins and shelves.

   We used magnetic liftoff nameplates on the lockers.

liftoff

/ ˈlɪftˌɒf /

noun

1. the initial movement or ascent of a rocket from its launch pad
2. the instant at which this occurs

verb

1. intr, adverb (of a rocket) to leave its launch pad

Word History and Origins

Origin of liftoff¹

First recorded in 1955–60; noun and adjective use of verb phrase lift off

Example Sentences

The initial burn lasted until eight minutes after liftoff.

From Los Angeles Times

It arced over the Gulf of Mexico like the four Starships before it that ended up being destroyed, either soon after liftoff or while ditching into the sea.

From Los Angeles Times

A relentless bid for poetic transcendence is more likely to tire than achieve liftoff.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s cedar brown, with a black, narrow snout and ears that appear designed to achieve liftoff.

From Los Angeles Times

As air taxi travel gets closer to liftoff in the United States, Archer Aviation announced plans for a 2026 launch in Los Angeles ahead of the World Cup.

From Los Angeles Times