departure

noun

de·​par·​ture di-ˈpär-chər How to pronounce departure (audio)
1
a(1)
: the act or an instance of departing
(2)
archaic : death
b
: a setting out (as on a new course)
2
: divergence sense 2
a departure from tradition

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dave & Buster’s — The arcade and dining venue operator plummeted more than 14% after posting disappointing third-quarter results and announcing the departure of its CEO. Brian Evans, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024 Despite facing execution challenges culminating with the recent departure Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger, Intel’s commitment to innovation in AI accelerators could keep it competitive. Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 All eyes have been on the Sheridan series to see where the co-creator, writer and director would steer his flagship Western saga ever since the departure of his star Kevin Costner and the announcement that season 5B would be the final season of Yellowstone. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024 Helping to overcome Young’s uneven start — and the offseason departure of Dejounte Murray — have been career-best seasons by Jalen Johnson, who is averaging 19.8 points per game, and fellow forward De’Andre Hunter, who is averaging 19.3. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for departure 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of departure was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near departure

Cite this Entry

“Departure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/departure. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

departure

noun
de·​par·​ture di-ˈpär-chər How to pronounce departure (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on departure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!