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 volume was another big shift, too, as Simpson has had a strikingly low number of reps in training camp despite the unsettled nature of the Rams’ backup quarterback position after Jimmy Garoppolo’s departure. — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

The new album is a big departure, both musically and in the content of the songs. — Jeffrey Masters, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

But her legacy has continued to live on in Aurora since her departure, primarily in the memories of her former students. — Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

That has been raised as a possible reason for the departure, but Earle and Cooper have both been at UTA for more than a year. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 16 Aug. 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