liftoff

noun

lift·​off ˈlift-ˌȯf 

: a vertical takeoff by an aircraft or a rocket vehicle or missile

Synonyms of liftoff

• launch
• takeoff

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

This finding proved that, at least in robotics, a foot-paddling maneuver is completely unnecessary for liftoff. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026

Being this close to a liftoff, and feeling the sensation of rising with it, creates an inspiring, rousing moment. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 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, 5 July 2026

Wednesday's launch was SpaceX's 79th Falcon 9 liftoff of the year. — Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1956, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for liftoff

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff
• runoff

Kids Definition

liftoff

noun

lift·​off ˈlif-ˌtȯf 

: a vertical takeoff (as by a rocket)