takeoff

plural takeoffs · alternative take-off

1. countableuncountableA launch or ascent into the air or into flight, such as of an aircraft, rocket, bird, high-jumper etc.

   That high-jumper's takeoff needs some work.

   2 more examples

   The flight was smooth, but the takeoff was a little rough.

   The mute swan, being one of the world's heaviest flying birds, can have a laborious takeoff.

2. countableuncountableThe spot from which one takes off; in particular, the place from which a jumper rises in leaping.

   Encyclopaedia of Sport The take-off should be selected with great care, and a pit of large dimensions provided on the landing side.

3. countableuncountablehobbiesThe initial movement a surfer makes to start riding a wave.

   Steamer Lane, home of the world's latest takeoff.

   1966, Bruce Brown, director, The Endless Summer

4. countableuncountableA parody or lampoon of someone or something.

   Weird Al's song "Lasagna" is a takeoff on the popular song "La Bamba".

   2 more examples

   I came across a little pamphlet of the period, yellow and almost undecipherable, which, on examination, I found to be a rather amusing skit or satirical take-off on the profit system.

   1897, Edward Bellamy, “ch. 23”, in Equality

   I had originally titled it, On Claiming An Identity They Taught Me To Despise. I said that having been a Renaissance historian, I was doing a take-off of the Latin tracts—"On This," "On That," "On the Beauty of Women."

   1981 February 7, Beth Hodges, Michelle Cliff, “An Interview With Michelle Cliff”, in Gay Community News, volume 8, number 28, page 8

5. countableuncountableA quantification, especially of building materials.

   I'll give you an estimate after I do the quantity takeoffs for the trusses and structural steel.

6. UKcountablehistoricaluncountablemediaThe removal of sheets from the press.