takeout
TAKE-owt
/ˈteɪkaʊt/
Food prepared by a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere rather than on the premises.
Common in North American English; British English typically uses 'takeaway'.
The story behind the word. Formed simply by compounding the English verb phrase 'take out' (to remove from a location) into a single noun in early 20th-century America.
Word relationships
- takeaway: Takeaway is the standard term in British, Australian, and New Zealand English, whereas takeout is North American.
- carryout: Carryout is a regional North American synonym often used in Midwestern US dialects.
- dine-in: Eating inside the restaurant premises at a table.
Commonly confused with
- takeover: A takeover is an acquisition of a company, whereas takeout is food to go.
Collocations
- takeout container
- order takeout
- takeout food
- takeout spot
Example sentences
- "We decided to order takeout from the local Thai restaurant instead of cooking." Casual evening dining
- "During peak winter months, takeout sales generated over forty percent of the eatery's revenue." Restaurant business analysis
Memory hook
You TAKE the food OUT of the restaurant to eat at home. Take it out to eat at home.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to food eaten inside a restaurant at a table.
Fun facts
- Ancient Roman thermopolia were street food counters that functioned as the world's earliest known takeout restaurants.
Explore more words
drive-thru, leftovers, entree, vacation, quick-service, food court
Also appears in
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