liftoff

American  

[lift-awf, -of] / ˈlɪftˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

Or lift-off

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈlɪftˌɒf /

noun

1. the initial movement or ascent of a rocket from its launch pad

2. the instant at which this occurs

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of liftoff

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

Example Sentences

The boosters disconnect from the Core Stage shortly after liftoff.

From The Wall Street Journal

If Wednesday's launch is canceled or delayed, there are more liftoff opportunities through April 6, although weather later in the week was looking slightly less favorable, officials said.

From Barron's

If Wednesday's launch is cancelled or delayed for any reason, there are more liftoff opportunities through April 6.

From Barron's

After liftoff, the team will not immediately head towards the Moon, instead entering orbit around Earth.

From Barron's

A solid opening date has not yet been announced, but the $400-million Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center in Exposition Park is busily preparing for liftoff.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• launch