departure

noun

de·​par·​ture di-ˈpär-chər 

1

a(1)

: the act or an instance of departing

(2)

archaic : death

b

: a setting out (as on a new course)

2

: a new or different way of doing something : divergence sense 2

a departure from tradition

Synonyms of departure

• departing
• exodus
• flight
• evacuation
• leave
• withdrawal
• going
• exiting
• parting
• exit

Examples of departure in a Sentence

What is your time of departure?

You should plan to arrive at the airport an hour before departure.

a schedule of arrivals and departures

The departures of several key employees have caused problems for the company.

her sudden departure from the company

The team has struggled since the departure of its head coach.

His previous movies have all been comedies, so this dramatic role is a real departure for him.

Recent Examples on the Web

Unmistakably mountain-inspired, interiors still feel more akin to a spacious Midtown-east hotel, which is a welcome departure from other Park City properties. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Sigurd’s departure only deepens this cynicism, which Livia clings to for 27 years — until the pair reconnect on the phone for a truly excruciating conversation. — Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

The changes follow earlier changes to its business affairs division that resulted in the departure of Dan Scharf as Head of Global Business Operations at Amazon MGM Studios. — Peter White, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026

To mark the upcoming departure of longtime MCA Chicago director Madeleine Grynsztejn, who established the initiative, the WAI will be renamed the Madeleine Fund for Women Artists. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing departure

• departure/arrival time
• point of departure
• pre-departure

Rhymes for departure

• marcher

Kids Definition

departure

noun

de·​par·​ture di-ˈpär-chər 

1

: the act of going away

2

: a setting out (as on a new course)

3

: a change from a usual course or standard

a departure from tradition

Legal Definition

departure

noun

de·​par·​ture

: a failure to follow : a deviation from a course or standard

an upward departure from the sentencing guidelines