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

The pace of rocket launches has broken records this year, with more than 125 orbital liftoffs worldwide. — Kaylah Jackson, NBC news, 29 June 2026

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

Launching by plane also means an easy liftoff—just gas up and go, as opposed to the extensive preparations necessary to get a rocket off the ground. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 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)