as in launch
a rising from a surface at the start of a flight (as of a rocket) everyone was quiet in the control room as they waited for lift-off

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of liftoff After liftoff from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 27, the vehicle successfully reached the Earth's orbit, but an apparent propellant leak caused a loss of altitude. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 And like all of Starship's test missions so far, the commercial spaceflight company, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, will provide a webcast from liftoff to landing. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 All three spacecraft were mounted to the top of a Falcon 9 rocket for liftoff at 7:30 am EDT (11:30 UTC) on Wednesday from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025 The 28th season of the Herald’s Passer Success System (PASS) rankings has liftoff as Detroit’s Jared Goff wins the Week 2 title with a big 54.70-point game and takes the overall season lead. Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liftoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liftoff
Noun
  • The Liaoning and the Shandong are smaller – displacing 60,000 to 70,000 tons – and their launch system limits the weapons and fuel load of aircraft.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • According to market data, Li Auto has sold a total of 25,817 units since the model’s launch, reflecting steady demand in China’s growing electric MPV market.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • So in the moments after takeoff, Higginbotham always stared at his watch, heart pounding, counting the seconds to a minute.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Plan for Ear Equalization Baéz says the pressure changes during takeoff and descent can cause discomfort, ear pain, or crying spells.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Liftoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liftoff. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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