plural takeoffs
1
: the moment when an airplane, helicopter, etc., leaves the ground and begins to fly
Please remain seated during takeoff.
Air Force One, you're ready for takeoff.
perfect takeoffs and landings
2
: the beginning of a jump
All the high jumpers had flawless takeoffs.
3
: a sudden increase in size, activity, or popularity
the country's economic takeoff
4
: a new or unusual way of making or doing something
an interesting takeoff on traditional lasagna
5
a
: a performance in which someone copies the way another person speaks, moves, etc., in usually a humorous way
He did a perfect takeoff [=imitation, impression] of our teacher.
b
chiefly US
: a piece of writing, music, etc., that imitates the style of someone or something else in an amusing way : parody
They did a funny takeoff on/of a quiz show.
Cite this Entry
“Takeoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/takeoff. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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