What does takeout mean?
Takeout most commonly means food prepared for customers to collect and eat elsewhere, especially in American English. A person may order takeout from a restaurant, and a menu may be described as a takeout menu. The word also has a more abstract sense meaning removal or cancellation: a plan may include the takeout of a service, while a broadcasting organization may announce the takeout of a program. In sports and competitive contexts, takeout can refer to the act of removing an opponent from play, often through a forceful or decisive move. Overall, the term combines the literal idea of taking something out with the practical modern meaning of obtaining prepared food to eat away from a restaurant. Its clearest regional distinction is with the British term takeaway, which can also mean a conclusion or key lesson.
Food or a meal bought from a restaurant or other food provider to be eaten away from the premises.
"They decided to have takeout because they were too tired to cook."
Especially common in American English; takeaway is more usual in British English.
The removal or cancellation of a person, program, provision, or other element from an arrangement.
"The final decision included the takeout of several underperforming shows."
This sense is common in institutional, media, financial, and administrative contexts.
An act of eliminating or forcefully stopping an opponent or competitor.
"The defender's takeout prevented the striker from reaching the ball."
Common in sports and competitive descriptions, where it may imply a decisive or forceful action.
The plural is used when referring to multiple takeout meals or orders, and less commonly to separate removals or cancellations.
"We brought several takeouts to the meeting and shared them during lunch."
Takeout turns the phrase “take it out” into both a restaurant order and a way of saying something has been removed from the plan.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does takeout come from?
Takeout is an English compound formed from the verb take and the particle out, meaning removal or extraction. The food sense developed from the broader idea of taking food out of a restaurant or other place of preparation. It is closely related in meaning and formation to takeaway, which is the more usual British term for prepared food eaten away from the premises. The component take also underlies words such as undertaking and overtake, although these have developed distinct meanings over time.
How takeout is actually used
In food contexts, takeout is particularly associated with American English; British English more often uses takeaway. In institutional or media contexts, takeout commonly means cancellation or removal from a program or schedule.
Easily confused with takeout
In British English, takeaway commonly refers to food bought to eat away from the premises, while in American English takeout is more usual; takeaway can also mean a conclusion or an important point.