Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to prepared food intended to be consumed away from the place of purchase: Describes food that is cooked and sold by a restaurant or shop to be eaten elsewhere.

Usage

• The adjective "take-away" is used directly before a noun to describe the type of food or service.
• It is the chiefly British English equivalent of the American English term "takeout" or "to go".

Examples

• Adjective:
  • We ordered a take-away curry for dinner.
  • Is this a take-away coffee or will you be drinking it here?
  • The take-away option is often cheaper than dining in.

Advanced Usage

• As a noun: While the target word here is the adjective, it is important to note that in common British usage, "takeaway" (often spelled as one word) functions as a noun meaning both the food itself and the establishment selling it.
  • Let's get a takeaway tonight. (Here, "takeaway" is a noun meaning the food.)
  • There's a new Chinese takeaway on the high street. (Here, "takeaway" is a noun meaning the shop.)

Variants and Related Words

• Takeout (Adj & N): The primary American English equivalent for both the adjective and noun forms.
• To-go (Adj): An American English adjective used primarily for food and drinks, e.g., .
• Carry-out (Adj & N): Used in some regions, particularly in Scotland and parts of the US.

Synonyms

• Carry-out (adjective)
• Takeout (adjective)

Notes

• The hyphenated form "take-away" is standard for the adjective in British English, though the one-word form "takeaway" is increasingly common for both the noun and adjective.
• This term specifically implies the food is fully prepared and ready for immediate consumption, distinguishing it from groceries or ingredients.

Adjective

1. of or involving food to be taken and eaten off the premises
   • takeout pizza
   • the takeout counter
   • `take-away' is chiefly British