takeoff

Noun

takeoff (countable and uncountable, plural takeoffs)

1. A launch or ascent into the air or into flight, such as of an aircraft, rocket, bird, high-jumper etc.
   • The flight was smooth, but the takeoff was a little rough.
   • That high-jumper's takeoff needs some work.
2. A parody or lampoon of someone or something.
   • Weird Al's song "Lasagna" is a takeoff on the popular song "La Bamba".
   • 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
3. A quantification, especially of building materials.
   • I'll give you an estimate after I do the quantity takeoffs for the trusses and structural steel.
4. (UK, historical) The removal of sheets from the press.
5. The spot from which one takes off; specifically, 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.
6. The 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