Takeout vs. Takeaway: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on December 28, 2023
"Takeout" and "takeaway" both refer to food prepared in a restaurant and sold to be eaten elsewhere, commonly used in American and British English respectively.
Difference Between Takeout and Takeaway
"Takeout" is the American English term for food or meals prepared in a restaurant and intended to be eaten off the premises. "Takeaway," on the other hand, is the British English equivalent, used in the same context but more commonly in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
In terms of usage, "takeout" is embedded in American cultural references and is commonly used in US-based media and conversations. In contrast, "takeaway" is similarly entrenched in British culture and is the preferred term in British English-speaking regions.
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
When referring to restaurants, American establishments may advertise as "takeout" spots, indicating that they offer meals to be taken out. In the UK and similar regions, the term "takeaway" is used to describe both the action of taking food off the premises and the establishments themselves.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
The term "takeout" also appears in American idiomatic expressions, reflecting its integration into everyday language. Similarly, "takeaway" features in British idioms and colloquialisms, illustrating its role in everyday British English.
Elijah
Dec 28, 2023
"Takeout" and "takeaway" share the same functional meaning, their usage is geographically and culturally distinct, reflecting the linguistic differences between American and British English.
Levi
Dec 28, 2023
Takeout vs. Takeaway Comparison Chart
Geographic Preference
Predominantly used in the United States
Commonly used in the United Kingdom
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Usage in Restaurants
Refers to food sold for off-premises consumption
Similarly, refers to food sold to eat elsewhere
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
Cultural References
Embedded in American culture and media
Integral to British culture and media
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Common Idiomatic Use
Used in American idioms and expressions
Featured in British idioms and colloquialisms
Olivia
Dec 28, 2023
Associated Variations
Variants and derivatives in American English
Variants and derivatives in British English
Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023
Takeout vs. Takeaway Definitions
◉Takeout
Food ordered and picked up from a restaurant to eat elsewhere.
We ordered Chinese takeout for dinner.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
◉Takeaway
A British term for food service where meals are taken off-premises.
Our local fish and chips shop does a great takeaway service.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
◉Takeout
A service offered by restaurants for food to be taken away.
The café started offering takeout during the pandemic.
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
◉Takeaway
Prepared food bought to eat outside the restaurant.
They grabbed a takeaway from their favorite Indian restaurant.
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
◉Takeout
Meals prepared for off-premises consumption.
Takeout pizza is a popular choice on weekends.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
◉Takeaway
Food purchased for consumption at home or elsewhere.
We often have a Chinese takeaway on Friday nights.
Elijah
Dec 28, 2023
◉Takeout
The act of buying prepared food to eat elsewhere.
I'm too tired to cook, let's get takeout.
Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023
◉Takeaway
A service where meals are prepared for external consumption.
The café near the office offers a quick breakfast takeaway.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
◉Takeout
Packaged food sold for convenience.
The deli offers a variety of salads as takeout.
Henry
Dec 28, 2023
◉Takeaway
The practice of buying ready-to-eat food from eateries.
She prefers takeaway to dining in.
Lucas
Dec 28, 2023
◉Takeaway
(Sports) The act or an instance of taking away the ball or puck from the team on the offensive, as by recovery of a fumbled football or by interception of a passed puck.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Takeout
Selling or intended for the sale of food products to be consumed off the premises
a takeout counter.
takeout containers.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Takeaway
The lesson or principle that one learns from a story or event. Used with the.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Takeout vs. Takeaway Frequently Asked Questions
What does takeout mean?
Takeout refers to food ordered from a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere, typically used in American English.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Do takeout and takeaway have different connotations?
While both terms refer to the same concept, "takeout" is often associated with American dining culture, whereas "takeaway" is more closely tied to British dining habits.
Lucas
Dec 28, 2023
What is takeaway in British English?
Takeaway is the British English term for food purchased from a restaurant to eat off-premises.
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
How do I use takeout in a sentence?
Use "takeout" to describe food that you order and pick up from a restaurant to eat elsewhere, as in, "We're having takeout tonight."
Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023
Can takeout include delivery?
While traditionally "takeout" means picking up food, in modern usage it sometimes includes delivery options as well.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Can takeaway refer to the restaurant itself?
In British English, takeaway can also refer to the restaurant offering such a service.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Are takeout and takeaway the same?
Yes, they mean the same but are used differently in American and British English.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Is takeaway used in countries other than the UK?
Yes, "takeaway" is also used in other Commonwealth countries and regions influenced by British English.
Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023
Is takeout only for fast food?
No, takeout can include a wide range of food types, not limited to fast food.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
How is takeaway used in British English?
In British English, "takeaway" is used to describe both the action of purchasing food to eat off-premises and the establishments that offer this service.
Nolan
Dec 28, 2023
What kind of containers are used for takeout and takeaway?
Both takeout and takeaway food are typically packaged in disposable containers for convenience.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
