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

Four solid rocket boosters provide additional power during liftoff. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026

The cold front that moved through Central Florida this weekend is expected to stall over South Florida bringing a liftoff wind hazard as well as the possibility of cumulus clouds that could violate launch rules. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Indeed, the world's richest man has said that SpaceX is targeting more than 10,000 Starship liftoffs per year by 2030. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026

About eight minutes after liftoff, the first-stage booster making its eighth trip to space made a recovery landing back adjacent the launch pad at Landing Zone 40. — Richard Tribou, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 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)