takeaway

noun

take·​away ˈtāk-ə-ˌwā 

1

: a conclusion to be made based on presented facts or information : a main point or key message to be learned or understood from something experienced or observed

The takeaway is clear: cats are a growing environmental concern because they are driving down some native bird populations …

—Bruce Barcott

One of the main takeaways stressed by the panelists was that social media is about conversation, not just dissemination.

—Gabe Habash

2

: the first movement of the backswing in golf

3

chiefly British : takeout

4

: an act or instance of taking possession of the ball or puck from an opposing team

takeaway adjective

Examples of takeaway in a Sentence

We ordered some Chinese takeaway.

She works in a Chinese takeaway.

He leads the league in takeaways.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kurt's key takeaways The web has changed in subtle but dangerous ways. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025

Ohio State, meanwhile, has forced just 14 takeaways, which is sixth among the eight remaining CFP teams (Georgia and Ole Miss have fewer). —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 Dec. 2025

And here are my main takeaways from the year that’s just been. —Zing Tsjeng, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2025

Dave tells the story about having a meeting in 2019 with Everton’s then chief executive, Denise Barrett-Baxendale, and pitching the idea that the local businesses — the pubs, takeaways, fish and chip shops and so on — could go with them to Bramley Dock. —Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for takeaway

• andromache
• bioassay
• cabriolet
• cercariae
• communique
• companionway
• compositae
• decussate
• examinee
• fabaceae
• glyphosate
• microarray

Kids Definition

takeaway

noun

take·​away ˈtā-kə-ˌwā 

1

chiefly British : takeout sense 3

2

: an act or instance of taking possession of the ball or puck from an opposing team