liftoff

noun

lift·​off ˈlift-ˌȯf How to pronounce liftoff (audio)
Synonyms of liftoffnext
: a vertical takeoff by an aircraft or a rocket vehicle or missile

Synonyms of liftoff

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Examples of liftoff in a Sentence

a series of successful liftoffs Thousand of spectators gathered to watch the liftoff of the space shuttle.
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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.
Meanwhile, as of mid-August 2026, China’s Chang'e-7 mission is waiting at Wenchang, the launch site on Hainan Island in China, with liftoff expected by the end of the year. — Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026 The arrangement gave the relatively lightweight vehicle enormous liftoff thrust. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 Today's liftoff was the 94th Falcon 9 launch of the year, 73 of which have delivered Starlink stacks to the growing constellation — the largest satellite constellation ever assembled. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Hong Kong — A Chinese rocket set to launch a satellite into orbit blew-up seconds after liftoff Monday, marking the relatively rare failure for a rocket considered a workhorse of Beijing’s space program. — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for liftoff

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liftoff was circa 1956

Rhymes for liftoff

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Browse Nearby Words

lift net
liftoff
lift one's gaze
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Cite this Entry

“Liftoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liftoff. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

liftoff

noun
lift·​off ˈlif-ˌtȯf How to pronounce liftoff (audio)
: a vertical takeoff (as by a rocket)

More from Merriam-Webster on liftoff

Nglish: Translation of liftoff for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about liftoff

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