departure

noun

de·​par·​ture di-ˈpär-chər 

1

a(1)

: the act or an instance of departing

(2)

archaic : death

b

: a setting out (as on a new course)

2

: divergence sense 2

a departure from tradition

Synonyms

• departing
• exodus
• flight
• evacuation
• leave
• withdrawal
• going
• exiting
• parting
• exit

Examples of departure in a Sentence

What is your time of departure?

You should plan to arrive at the airport an hour before departure.

a schedule of arrivals and departures

The departures of several key employees have caused problems for the company.

her sudden departure from the company

The team has struggled since the departure of its head coach.

His previous movies have all been comedies, so this dramatic role is a real departure for him.

Recent Examples on the Web

Moor declined to provide specifics regarding Frank's replacement and how his departure may impact the publication's coverage. —Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Sep. 2025

Sky Harbor also had a departure delay in effect, with flights from Phoenix delayed for about 15 minutes on average. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025

By this time, Elio is beginning to confront the reality of Oliver’s eventual departure (and thus, his first experience of true heartbreak). —James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025

Her departure comes as the company’s executive suite is going through a post-deal reshuffle. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing departure

• departure/arrival time
• point of departure
• pre-departure

Rhymes for departure

• marcher

Kids Definition

departure

noun

de·​par·​ture di-ˈpär-chər 

1

: the act of going away

2

: a setting out (as on a new course)

3

: a change from a usual course or standard

a departure from tradition

Legal Definition

departure

noun

de·​par·​ture

: a failure to follow : a deviation from a course or standard

an upward departure from the sentencing guidelines