Getaway vs. Get Away
The difference is grammatical. “Getaway” is a noun; “get away” is a phrasal verb. Cambridge also records a US vacation sense for the noun, so the closed form can refer to more than a criminal escape.
Use “getaway” as a noun for an escape and, especially in US English, a short vacation or vacation place. Use “get away” as the two-word phrasal verb meaning leave, escape, or go away for a break.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| noun naming an escape | getaway | Use the closed noun. |
| US noun for a short vacation or vacation place | getaway | The closed noun also has this documented sense. |
| verb meaning leave, escape, or go away for a rest | get away | Use the two-word phrasal verb. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Is the expression functioning as the action verb meaning leave, escape, or go away?
If yes: Use “get away.”
If no: If it is a noun naming an escape or vacation, use “getaway.”
Caveat: Keep the noun/verb boundary clear; the US vacation sense belongs to the closed noun as well.
Examples
We hope to get away for a few days in October.
The two-word form is the phrasal verb.
They planned a quiet weekend getaway.
The closed form is a noun for a short vacation.
The driver helped make a quick getaway.
“Getaway” is the noun naming the escape.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the closed noun.
Fast Test
Use “get away.” If it is a noun naming an escape or vacation, use “getaway.”
Usage Boundary
Keep the noun/verb boundary clear; the US vacation sense belongs to the closed noun as well.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- getaway — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Getaway is an informal noun for an escape and, in American English, can also denote a vacation place/occasion.
- get away — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Get away is a two-word phrasal verb meaning leave/escape or go away for a holiday/rest.