takeout food
Noun: 1. Food prepared for consumption away from the point of sale: Food that is cooked and packaged by a restaurant or food establishment with the specific intention that the customer will eat it elsewhere, not on the premises where it was purchased.
The term "takeout food" is used to describe the category of food itself or a specific instance of purchasing such food. It is commonly used in American English. - I'm too tired to cook; let's get some takeout food. - The restaurant's takeout food is packaged in recyclable containers.
- "Takeout food" as a concept versus a specific order: The term can refer to the general practice or a specific meal.
- The rise of takeout food has changed the restaurant industry. (General concept)
- This takeout food is still hot. (Specific order)
- Takeout (noun, chiefly US): Often used interchangeably with "takeout food" to mean the food itself or the service.
- Let's get takeout tonight.
- Takeaway (noun, chiefly UK, Aus, NZ): The direct British English equivalent of "takeout" or "takeout food".
- I'm going to fetch a takeaway.
- Carryout (noun, chiefly US): Another synonym, especially common in some regional dialects.
- To-go food (noun phrase): A descriptive phrase with the same meaning.
- Carry-out food
- Food to go
- Takeaway (UK)
The core meaning of "takeout food" is consistent. The primary variation is regional terminology (takeout vs. takeaway). The term specifically refers to the food product, not the act of purchasing it (which is "getting takeout" or "ordering takeout").
- prepared food that is intended to be eaten off of the premises
- in England they call takeout food `takeaway'