take-out

UK: ˈteɪk aʊt | US: ˈteɪk aʊt

Definition

  1. n. food prepared by a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere

  2. adj. describing food or service designed for consumption off-premises

Structure
take <to carry>out <external>
Etymology

The term "take-out" emerged in the early 20th century, combining the verb "take" (from Old English tacan, meaning "to grasp or carry") and the adverb/preposition "out" (from Old English ūt, meaning "away from a place"). It reflects the action of carrying food away from a restaurant. The phrase was later hyphenated and nominalized to describe the food itself, emphasizing convenience culture in urban societies.

Examples

  1. Let’s order Chinese take-out for dinner tonight.

  2. The café offers take-out options for busy customers.

  3. Take-out containers piled up on the office table.

  4. She prefers take-out meals during her work shifts.

  5. The restaurant charges extra for take-out packaging.