liftoff

noun

lift·​off ˈlift-ˌȯf 

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

Synonyms of liftoff

• 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

Each cup has a shimmering finish, making every sip feel ready for liftoff. — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026

In a press kit released before the flight, the company said its primary objective for the launch was to complete a successful liftoff, clear the the tower at the launch site, and gather maximum data during ascent. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 19 July 2026

Vikram-1 had ticked all of its boxes by just 17 minutes after liftoff, leading to a pronouncement from mission control. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 18 July 2026

As the new issue is currently enduring aggressive price discovery and traded down to $122 Friday morning following the automatic abort of Starship Flight 13 just seconds before liftoff. — Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 17 July 2026

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)