To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of takedown
(Entry 1 of 3)
1 : the action or an act of taking down
2 : something (such as a rifle) having takedown construction
takedown
adjectiveDefinition of takedown (Entry 2 of 3)
: constructed so as to be readily taken apart
a takedown rifle
take down
verbtook down; taken down; taking down; takes down
Definition of take down (Entry 3 of 3)
1 : to lower without removing
took down his pants
2a : to pull to pieces
take down a building
b : disassemble take a rifle down
3 : to lower the spirit or vanity of
4a : to write down
took down some notes
b : to record by mechanical means
: to become seized or attacked especially by illness
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Semantic Drift Quiz
- Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Semantic Drift Quiz
A challenging quiz of changing words.
Take the quizA Thanksgiving Word Quiz
We are thankful for obscure words.
Take the quizSpell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quizDictionary Devil
The dictionary has been scrambled—can you put it back together?
Play the game
Share takedown
Time Traveler for takedown
The first known use of takedown was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century