Liftoff

noun

noun ·2 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 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. 2
    the initial ascent of a rocket from its launching pad wordnet
  3. 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. 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."

Synonyms

All synonyms
starttakeoff

Example

More examples

"Webb is scheduled for liftoff at 7:20 am EST Saturday, Dec. 25."

Etymology

Deverbal from lift off.

More for "liftoff"

SynonymsSentencesPronunciationTranslate

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciationBrowse writing guides

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.