liftoff

noun

lift·​off ˈlift-ˌȯf How to pronounce liftoff (audio)
Synonyms of liftoffnext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When a launch is imminent, the astronauts will fly to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida about six days prior to liftoff. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026 The Saturday launch attempt scrubbed under a minute before liftoff because of bad weather in the booster recovery area. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026 That liftoff has been accelerated up teh calendar to replace the Crew-11 astronauts, who were forced back to Earth early due to an undisclosed medical issue with one of the astronauts. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2026 Space shuttle Challenger exploded into a gigantic fireball moments after liftoff today, apparently killing all seven crew members, including schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe. Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for liftoff

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liftoff was circa 1956

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Cite this Entry

“Liftoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liftoff. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

liftoff

noun
lift·​off ˈlif-ˌtȯf How to pronounce liftoff (audio)
: a vertical takeoff (as by a rocket)

More from Merriam-Webster on liftoff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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