Takeaway: meaning, definitions and examples

Takeaway is commonly used in British English to refer to food that you order from a restaurant or a food place to eat somewhere else, typically at home. It can also mean the main point or lesson learned from a discussion or event.

• Let's get some Chinese takeaway for dinner tonight.
• The takeaway from the meeting was that we need to improve our client communication.

Takeout is the American English equivalent of the British term 'takeaway' and also refers to food ordered from a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere.

• I'm craving pizza; let's order takeout.
• Do you want to get takeout from that new Thai place?

To-go is used in informal American English when you want to take your food or drink out of the restaurant. It's often used when ordering drinks or simpler meals.

• I'd like a coffee to-go, please.
• Can I have a burger to-go?

Commonly used in British English for food that you buy from a restaurant or cafe and eat somewhere else. It can also refer to a key point or lesson learned.

• We decided to get Indian takeaway for dinner.
• The main takeaway from the meeting was that we need better communication.

Primarily used in American English for food that is purchased from a restaurant and eaten somewhere else.

• Let's get Chinese takeout tonight.
• She ordered takeout because she was too tired to cook.

Used mostly in American English, often when ordering at a counter or fast food restaurant. Indicates that the food or drink will be taken away and not consumed on the premises.

• I'd like a coffee to-go, please.
• They picked up a burger to-go on the way home.

In British English, this term is commonly used for food that is prepared in a restaurant but eaten elsewhere.

• We decided to get some Chinese takeaway for dinner.
• The new Italian restaurant has excellent takeaway options.

In American English, this term is used for food prepared at a restaurant that you eat away from the establishment.

• Let's order takeout for tonight; I don't feel like cooking.
• They have the best sushi takeout in the city.

Used primarily in American English to describe food or drinks that are ordered with the intention of eating or drinking them elsewhere. Often used in cafes and fast-food places.

• I'd like a coffee to-go, please.
• Can we make that a burger to-go? We're in a hurry.