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

And deciding to leave it felt different from her family’s rushed departure from Haiti. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Among players, Marcos Senesi, Hamed Traorè, and Enes Ünal are some of the notable departures, while promising new signings include defenders António Silva, Álvaro Rodríguez, Álex Jiménez, and Juanlu Sánchez. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 23 Aug. 2026

But maybe that low point and the unexpected departure of Stokes and the return of Joe Root as Test captain ahead of the white-ball skipper has proved a turning point for one of the most gifted but infuriating batters of his generation. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Major departures included releasing Cousins, parting ways with linebackers Troy Andersen and Kaden Elliss, and seeing veteran safety Justin Simmons head into retirement. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 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