Takeoff vs. Take-off vs. Take Off
“Takeoff” is a closed noun spelling, especially in American English, while Cambridge also records the hyphenated noun “take-off.” “Take off” is the two-word phrasal verb for leaving the ground, removing something, leaving suddenly, or becoming successful.
Use “take off” for the verb. Use “takeoff” or documented “take-off” for the noun, depending on variety or house style.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Word class / variety | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| verb: leave the ground, remove something, leave suddenly, or become successful | take off | Use the two-word phrasal verb. |
| noun, especially American spelling | takeoff | Use the closed noun where that variety/style prefers it. |
| noun in a documented hyphenated style | take-off | Use the hyphenated noun when your variety or house style calls for it. |
Quick tests
Verb-versus-noun test
Is the expression an action performed by the subject rather than the name of the event or thing?
If yes: Use “take off.”
If no: For the noun, use the documented “takeoff” or “take-off” spelling appropriate to your variety/house style.
Caveat: The noun spelling varies; this page does not label one documented noun form universally wrong.
Examples
The plane will take off at nine.
“Take off” is the two-word verb.
The takeoff was delayed by fog.
“Takeoff” is the closed noun, especially familiar in American English.
The aircraft began its take-off after the runway reopened.
The hyphenated noun is a documented spelling choice.
Further guidance
Core difference
The action is “take off”; the noun is “takeoff” or “take-off.”
Fast Test
If you can change it to “took off” or “taking off,” use the two-word verb.
Variant Boundary
Cambridge documents both closed and hyphenated noun spellings, reflecting variety/style rather than a single universal form.
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.
- TAKEOFF — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Closed noun “takeoff,” especially in American English
- TAKE SOMETHING OFF / TAKE OFF — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Two-word phrasal verb “take off” and hyphenated noun “take-off”