liftoff

noun

lift·​off ˈlift-ˌȯf 

: a vertical takeoff by an aircraft or a rocket vehicle or missile

Synonyms

• blastoff
• launch
• takeoff

Examples of liftoff in a Sentence

a series of successful liftoffs

Thousand of spectators gathered to watch the liftoff of the space shuttle.

Recent Examples on the Web

Concern arose over one of the two clamp arms on the Falcon rocket's support structure that needs to tilt away right before liftoff. —arkansasonline.com, 15 Mar. 2025

The May 6 attempt was scrubbed two hours before liftoff because of valve on ULA’s upper Centaur stage that teams continue to investigate. —Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025

If all goes to plan, the spacecraft will deploy 55.5 minutes after liftoff. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2025

The hydraulic system powers a clamp arm that is used to secure the rocket to the launch structure, but it must be released before liftoff. —Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1956, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for liftoff

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff
• runoff

Kids Definition

liftoff

noun

lift·​off ˈlif-ˌtȯf 

: a vertical takeoff (as by a rocket)