: a vertical takeoff by an aircraft or a rocket vehicle or missile
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
As America watched, awe turned to horror as the shuttle broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff because of a rupture in one of its solid-fuel boosters, killing everyone on board.
—
Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
In heartbreaking retrospect, the liftoff appeared perfect.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
The upcoming wet dress rehearsal will officially kick off about two full days ahead of its simulated T-0 liftoff time, as launch teams begin tending their stations.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Each spaceflight on a New Shepard vehicle lasts about 11 minutes from liftoff to capsule touchdown.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
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Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
In heartbreaking retrospect, the liftoff appeared perfect.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
The upcoming wet dress rehearsal will officially kick off about two full days ahead of its simulated T-0 liftoff time, as launch teams begin tending their stations.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Each spaceflight on a New Shepard vehicle lasts about 11 minutes from liftoff to capsule touchdown.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for liftoff
Cite this Entry
“Liftoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liftoff. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
liftoff
noun
lift·off
ˈlif-ˌtȯf 
: a vertical takeoff (as by a rocket)
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