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

In the celebrated 2017 novel Pachinko, Min Jin Lee’s multigenerational saga about a Korean family who emigrate to imperial Japan, a pastor meets with a young couple, the Baeks, on the eve of their departure. — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

The announcement doesn’t mention what specific eligibility questions prompted Lomick’s departure from the race. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026

But after days of speculation about Merz’s future, there were no prominent public calls Monday for his departure and no sign of a challenge. — Geir Moulson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

More troubling are the circumstances that led to the departures of Lombardi and Belichick's son over the past three weeks. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 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