liftoff

noun

ˈlift-ˌȯf How to pronounce liftoff (audio)
Definition of liftoffnext
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 Weeks after its liftoff in early July to boost the decaying orbit of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which launched in 2004, LINK ran into trouble, spinning out of control and suffering sporadic communications. — Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026 On July 10, the first stage of a Long March-10B rocket separated from the second stage after liftoff and returned to a platform at sea. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for liftoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liftoff
  1. launch
  2. takeoff
Noun
  • The launch is the inaugural step in Shiseido’s bigger strategy of building a credible reputation in fragrances for Max Mara, as executives teased other launches are on the way.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • This is good energy for choosing a launch date, booking space, outlining a talk, or setting time for practice.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of launch
Noun
  • Alexandria Sheriff's Office via AP Flight 103 was 31,000 feet over Lockerbie when a bomb in the plane's forward cargo area exploded 38 minutes after takeoff from London Heathrow Airport.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Archer plans to use its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for the service.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of takeoff

Browse Nearby Words

lifting
liftoff
liftoffs
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Cite this Entry

“Liftoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liftoff. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on liftoff

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about liftoff

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