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

My sister, Louise, had spent hours perfecting the screechy, imperious cry of Starscream, only to use it when phoning the takeaway and ordering curry sauce and chips. —Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026

Jamahl Mosley‘s group successfully shared the ball by dishing out 33 assists and defended at a high level in spurts by scoring 28 points off 20 takeaways. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026

Kurt's key takeaways Removing your personal information from the internet is not a one-and-done task. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026

Here are the top three takeaways. —Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026

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