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

Some on staff noted that former editor Dylan Housman left the publication the Friday before the Iran war started, and the tone shifted significantly following his departure. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Last year, a Learjet 55 Medevac plane crashed into a commercial and residential area shortly after departure from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, killing six on the aircraft and two people on the ground. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026

One particularly useful feature is its Trip Saver benefit, which provides up to $2,500 when certain flight disruptions interfere with departure. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

New York City is a great departure point for Europe and offers many direct flights for this itinerary. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 2 Nov. 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