What does "liftoff" mean?
The point in the launch of a rocket or an aircraft where it leaves contact with the ground.
Liftoff
noun
noun ·2 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The point in the launch of a rocket or an aircraft where it leaves contact with the ground.
- Grammar: liftoff is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: takeoff, ascent, blastoff, blastoffs.
- Useful contrasts: airplane touchdown, cessation, decline.
- Usage evidence: Webb is scheduled for liftoff at 7:20 am EST Saturday, Dec. 25.
How to use "liftoff"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "liftoff" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "liftoff" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "liftoff" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "liftoff" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "liftoff" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "takeoff" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "liftoff", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The point in the launch of a rocket or an aircraft where it leaves contact with the ground.
"we have liftoff [in narration of launches]"
- 2 the initial ascent of a rocket from its launching pad wordnet
- 3 The point at which a person or animal leaves the ground, as for example when jumping.
"As she was on her approach to the hoop, taking that first Jordanesque liftoff step, her mouth guard fell floorward. Undeterred, she kept going up with the ball in her right hand."
- 4 The point of launching into success or action. figuratively
"Ederson was booked and received lengthy treatment, meaning that Mac Allister had to wait and wait. His penalty, though, bristled with assurance. Liverpool had liftoff. The home crowd sensed that this was their moment."
Example
"Webb is scheduled for liftoff at 7:20 am EST Saturday, Dec. 25."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "liftoff"?
Common synonyms include: takeoff, ascent, blastoff, blastoffs, departure, inception.
How do you use "liftoff" in a sentence?
Webb is scheduled for liftoff at 7:20 am EST Saturday, Dec. 25.
Etymology
Deverbal from lift off.