takeaway

or take-a·way

[ teyk-uh-wey ]

noun

1. something taken back or away, especially an employee benefit that is eliminated or substantially reduced by the terms of a union contract.
2. conclusions, impressions, or action points resulting from a meeting, discussion, roundtable, or the like:

   The takeaway was that we had to do a lot more work on the proposal before it could be shown to the governing board.

3. Chiefly British.
   1. a takeout restaurant:

      Let's pick something up at the Indian takeaway.

   2. food from a takeout restaurant:

      I get Chinese takeaway at least once a week.

4. Sports.
   1. (in hockey and football) the act of getting the puck or ball away from the team on the offense:

      The problem with most hockey statistics is they are not very consistent in how they determine takeaways and giveaways.

   2. (in golf) a backswing:

      I got him a video entitled “Improving the Takeaway in Your Golf Swing” for his birthday.

adjective

1. of or relating to what is or can be taken away:

   a list of takeaway proposals presented by management.

2. Chiefly British. takeout ( def 7 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of takeaway¹

1930–35 for earlier sense “train car for carrying logs”; 1960–65 takeaway fordef 5; take + away

Related Words

• outcome
• result
• upshot