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

: divergence sense 2

a departure from tradition

Synonyms

• decamping
• decampment
• departing
• exit
• exiting
• farewell
• going
• leave
• leave-taking
• lighting out
• outgo
• parting
• quitting
• walking out

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

At least until the spring, that is, when a new round of departures and 15 practices will provide new clarity. —Mitch Sherman, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

There will be arrivals and there will be departures. —Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025

Just 1% of departures were canceled and 6% were delayed as of 10:30 a.m. PST. —Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

When The News asked about the Yankees’ departures this offseason, past and present members of the organization described the exodus as a testament to the club. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025

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

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