departure

noun

de·​par·​ture di-ˈpär-chər How to pronounce departure (audio)
Synonyms of departurenext
1
a(1)
: the act or an instance of departing
(2)
archaic : death
b
: a setting out (as on a new course)
2
: a new or different way of doing something : divergence sense 2
a departure from tradition

Synonyms of departure

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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
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.
Member Ok Taecyeon left JYP in 2018 for agency 51K, becoming the group’s first departure from the label. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 This season’s team has to make up for the departure of Mike Evans and his 11 consecutive campaigns of 1,000-plus receiving yards. — Abby Disalvo, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 Instead, the controversial trade led to Nelson’s own departure from the Warriors only a few months later after the team got off to a miserable 14-31 start in 1994-95. — Carl Steward, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026 But the process can take over two months, so make sure to send them back well in advance of your departure date. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for departure

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of departure was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing departure

Rhymes for departure

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Browse Nearby Words

depart this life
departure
departure/arrival time
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Departure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/departure. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

departure

noun
de·​par·​ture di-ˈpär-chər How to pronounce departure (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on departure

Nglish: Translation of departure for Spanish Speakers

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