takeout

1 of 3

noun

take·​out ˈtāk-ˌau̇t How to pronounce takeout (audio)
1
a
: prepared food packaged to be consumed away from its place of sale
b
: an establishment selling takeout
2
: the action or an act of taking out
3
a
: something taken out or prepared to be taken out
b(1)
: an article (as in a newspaper) printed on consecutive pages so as to be conveniently removed
(2)
: an intensive study or report

take-out

2 of 3

adjective

: of, relating to, selling, or being food not to be consumed on the premises
take-out counter
a take-out supper

take out

3 of 3

verb

took out; taken out; taking out; takes out

transitive verb

1
a(1)
(2)
b
: to find release for : vent
take out their resentments on one another.John W. Aldridge
c(1)
(2)
(3)
2
a
: to obtain from the proper authority
take out a charter
take out a second mortgage
b
: to arrange for (insurance)
3
: to take as an equivalent in another form
took the debt out in trade
4
: to overcall (a bridge partner) in a different suit

intransitive verb

: to start on a course : set out
Phrases
take it out on
: to expend anger, vexation, or frustration in harassment of

Examples of takeout in a Sentence

Noun We ordered some Chinese takeout. She works in a Chinese takeout. Verb he took out his frustrations by splitting a cord of firewood she'd like to take the new boy out to the movies sometime
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The restaurant is open seven days a week, serving lunch and dinner, with takeout and delivery available. Jayla Webb october 30, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025 The new Orange County location, similar to other Prime Pizza spots, is designed for takeout or delivery, with outdoor tables and a standing rail for guests. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
The restaurant is open for dine-in on Thanksgiving and will also be serving individual and family-style take-out options. Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Nov. 2025 Another take-out option is a one-of-a-kind Tumble Turkey from Los Gatos Meats. Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
The number of homebuyers taking out VA loans also increased in August, rising 3 percent year-over-year nationwide—bucking the trend observed for conventional loans, which declined 9 percent year-over-year in the same month. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025 Most students take out loans to repay these fees, which now become repayable once the salary of a graduate reaches £25,000. Ian King, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for takeout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1941, in the meaning defined above

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of takeout was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Takeout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/takeout. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

takeout

1 of 2 noun
take·​out ˈtā-ˌkau̇t How to pronounce takeout (audio)
1
: the action or an act of taking out
2
: something taken out or made to be taken out
3
: prepared food packaged to be eaten away from its place of sale

take out

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)tā-ˈkau̇t
1
a
: to take away : deduct
2
: to find release for : vent
took out their anger on me
3
: to conduct or escort into the open or to a public entertainment
4
: to take as payment in another form
took the debt out in goods
5
: to obtain from the proper authority
take out a charter
6
: to start on a course : set out

More from Merriam-Webster on takeout

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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