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

The latter has applied more frequently lately as AEW’s women’s division has been hampered by up-and-down booking and the departures of stars like Jade Cargill and Mariah May, both of whom signed with WWE. — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

The same one that existed before James announced his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 26 July 2026

That was Troy Jackson speaking in Maine on Saturday after an impromptu state party convention selected him as their new Democratic nominee for Senate after the sudden departure of Graham Platner. — ABC News, 26 July 2026

Soto’s abrupt departure Friday didn’t help a Mets offense that managed only one run over seven innings against 24-year-old Dodgers flamethrower Roki Sasaki, who struck out nine. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 July 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