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.
Four solid rocket boosters provide additional power during liftoff. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026 The cold front that moved through Central Florida this weekend is expected to stall over South Florida bringing a liftoff wind hazard as well as the possibility of cumulus clouds that could violate launch rules. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 Indeed, the world's richest man has said that SpaceX is targeting more than 10,000 Starship liftoffs per year by 2030. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026 About eight minutes after liftoff, the first-stage booster making its eighth trip to space made a recovery landing back adjacent the launch pad at Landing Zone 40. — Richard Tribou, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about liftoff

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