: 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
One clip captured the aircraft descending rapidly just seconds after liftoff before hitting the ground.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
The first spacecraft will deploy 20 minutes after liftoff, and the second will follow four minutes later.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2026
The first-stage booster made a successful 21st liftoff, but was expended to get the satellite to a geosynchronous transfer orbit.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
The window is open, the rocket is fueled, and Gosling may finally be ready for liftoff.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for liftoff
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Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
The first spacecraft will deploy 20 minutes after liftoff, and the second will follow four minutes later.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2026
The first-stage booster made a successful 21st liftoff, but was expended to get the satellite to a geosynchronous transfer orbit.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
The window is open, the rocket is fueled, and Gosling may finally be ready for liftoff.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Mar. 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 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
liftoff
noun
lift·off
ˈlif-ˌtȯf 
: a vertical takeoff (as by a rocket)
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