departure

noun

de·​par·​ture di-ˈpär-chər 

1

a(1)

: the act or an instance of departing

(2)

archaic : death

b

: a setting out (as on a new course)

2

: a new or different way of doing something : divergence sense 2

a departure from tradition

Synonyms of departure

• departing
• exodus
• flight
• evacuation
• leave
• withdrawal
• going
• exiting
• parting
• exit

Examples of departure in a Sentence

What is your time of departure?

You should plan to arrive at the airport an hour before departure.

a schedule of arrivals and departures

The departures of several key employees have caused problems for the company.

her sudden departure from the company

The team has struggled since the departure of its head coach.

His previous movies have all been comedies, so this dramatic role is a real departure for him.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Artnews, Norby and the museum both cited health concerns as behind her departure. —News Desk, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026

The black tweed jacket and explosive feather skirt was something of a departure, then, though her Louboutin stilettos were still a wedding-ready shade of white. —Olivia Allen, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2026

But the executive order marked a huge departure from the way that the Fourteenth Amendment has been interpreted. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026

Fuel surcharges are likely to increase and departures likely to sink in number. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing departure

• departure/arrival time
• point of departure
• pre-departure

Rhymes for departure

• marcher

Kids Definition

departure

noun

de·​par·​ture di-ˈpär-chər 

1

: the act of going away

2

: a setting out (as on a new course)

3

: a change from a usual course or standard

a departure from tradition

Legal Definition

departure

noun

de·​par·​ture

: a failure to follow : a deviation from a course or standard

an upward departure from the sentencing guidelines