takeout

or take-out

[ teyk-out ]

noun

1. the act or fact of taking out.
2. something made to be taken out, especially food prepared in a store or restaurant to be carried out for consumption elsewhere.
3. Informal. a store, restaurant, or counter specializing in preparing food meant to be carried out for consumption elsewhere.
4. a section, as of a magazine, that may be removed intact, usually consisting of a story, article, or set of illustrations.
5. Also called takedown, Finance. a long-term real-estate mortgage arranged for a building the construction of which is financed by an interim short-term loan construction loan.
6. Cards.
   1. Bridge. a bid in a suit or denomination different from the one bid by one's partner.
   2. Poker. the minimum with which a player can begin.

adjective

1. pertaining to or supplying food and drink to be taken out and consumed elsewhere:

   the takeout window of a restaurant.

2. Also of, relating to, or providing a takeout mortgage:

   The high-rise developer has found a takeout commitment from a large insurance company.

Word History and Origins

Origin of takeout¹

First recorded in 1915–20; noun use of verb phrase take out

Example Sentences

Many, including me, described it as lo-fi, and definitely lower budget, like that nice dive down the street that says it offers food but actually features a nearby joint's takeout menu and a barback willing to pick up your order.

From Salon

Igor is entrusted with bringing Ani back to Ivan’s mansion to collect her things, where the two of them spend the night eating takeout and watching television.

From Salon

On the shelves and tables in the studio are piles of Talenti gelato jars and takeout boxes filled with color powders and mixtures.

From Los Angeles Times

And then there’s the competition that doesn’t even feel like competition: If you’ve ever kept a cheap plastic box after ordering Thai takeout and then reused it a few times, you’ve lessened your need for Tupperware.

From Slate

A statewide poll released by Oceana in 2022 revealed that 86% of California voters support local and state policies that reduce single-use plastic, and 92% of California voters are concerned about single-use plastic products like grocery bags, beverage bottles, and takeout food containers.

From Los Angeles Times