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.
The Dragon will be perched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which will provide the initial burst of thrust at liftoff to get the vehicle and its crew into space. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 The upcoming liftoff, the 14th to date for Starship, will see the rocket reach Earth orbit for the first time, if all goes to plan. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026 On the most recent launch in March, the vehicle broke apart a little more than a minute after liftoff. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 The rescue spacecraft went into an uncontrollable spin a few weeks after its liftoff in early July. — CBS News, 19 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 4 Sep. 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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