Takeout vs. Takeaway — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 15, 2024
Takeout refers to prepared meals ordered from a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere, while takeaway is the British term for the same concept, emphasizing the act of taking food away from the establishment.
Difference Between Takeout and Takeaway
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Takeout is a term predominantly used in American English to describe food ordered from a restaurant but consumed outside its premises, often at home or work. Whereas takeaway is the British English equivalent, emphasizing the action of taking the meal away from the restaurant to eat elsewhere.
While takeout is often associated with fast food or casual dining establishments in the U.S., takeaway can refer to a wide range of foods in the UK, from traditional fish and chips to ethnic cuisines. Both terms convey convenience and the option to enjoy restaurant-quality meals outside a traditional dining setting.
The concept of takeout or takeaway typically involves minimal to no table service, with the focus on quick pick-up and convenience. However, the packaging and presentation may differ slightly between the two, reflecting regional preferences and environmental regulations.
Cultural nuances also play a role, with "takeout" in American English sometimes implying a broader range of services, including delivery options. On the other hand, "takeaway" in the UK is more strictly associated with the act of collecting food to go, although delivery services are also common.
The popularity of takeout and takeaway has been bolstered by online ordering platforms and apps, making it easier to browse menus, place orders, and even track delivery in real-time. This digital evolution has blurred the lines further between the two terms, with the primary distinction remaining largely geographical.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Food ordered from a restaurant to be eaten off the premises.
British term for food ordered and taken away from a restaurant.
Usage
Predominantly in American English.
Commonly used in British English.
Associated Foods
Often fast food and casual dining options.
Includes a wide range of foods, including traditional dishes.
Service
Minimal table service, focus on convenience.
Similar focus on convenience, with an emphasis on quick pick-up.
Cultural Nuance
Can imply both pick-up and delivery options.
More strictly associated with the act of collecting food to go.
Packaging
Reflects American preferences and regulations.
May differ to reflect UK preferences and environmental concerns.
Digital Evolution
Facilitated by online ordering platforms and delivery apps.
Also enhanced by digital services, with a strong presence of delivery options.
Compare with Definitions
Takeout
Food ordered from a restaurant but consumed elsewhere.
We decided to get takeout from our favorite Chinese restaurant.
Takeaway
The British term for food taken from a restaurant to eat elsewhere.
Let's grab some takeaway from the Indian place around the corner.
Takeout
Often associated with fast food and casual dining in the U.S.
Pizza and burgers are popular takeout options.
Takeaway
Prioritizes quick service and the convenience of eating off-site.
Takeaway meals are perfect for a quick lunch break.
Takeout
Can include both pickup and delivery services.
The restaurant offers takeout, and they also deliver.
Takeaway
Encompasses a wide range of food, including traditional dishes.
Fish and chips is a classic British takeaway.
Takeout
Emphasizes convenience and speed.
Takeout is great for busy nights when there's no time to cook.
Takeaway
Primarily refers to picking up food, but delivery is also common.
We ordered our takeaway online, and it's ready for pick-up.
Takeout
Packaging is designed for transportation and ease of consumption.
The takeout came in sturdy containers to prevent spills.
Takeaway
Reflects UK packaging standards, often with an eye on sustainability.
Our takeaway containers are biodegradable to reduce waste.
Takeout
Intended to be eaten off the premises
Takeout pizza.
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.
Takeout
Selling or intended for the sale of food products to be consumed off the premises
A takeout counter.
Takeout containers.
Takeaway
The lesson or principle that one learns from a story or event. Used with the.
Takeout
(North America) (Of food) intended to be eaten off the premises from which it was bought.
Takeaway
A concession made by a labor union during contract negotiations; a giveback.
Takeout
Food purchased from a takeaway.
Takeaway
Chiefly British A takeout restaurant.
Takeout
(curling) A stone that hits another stone, removing it from play.
Takeaway
Chiefly British Takeout.
Takeout
(bridge) A double of an opponent's bid, intended to invite one's partner to compete in the auction, rather than to penalise one's opponents.
Takeaway
(Of food) intended to be eaten off the premises from which it was bought.
I couldn't be bothered to cook, so I bought a takeaway curry.
Takeout
(television) A detailed news segment.
Takeaway
A restaurant that sells food to be eaten elsewhere.
If you're hungry, there's a takeaway just around the corner.
Takeout
Prepared food that is intended to be eaten off of the premises;
In England they call takeout food `takeaway'
Takeaway
A meal which has been purchased and has been carefully packaged as to be taken and consumed elsewhere.
I fancy an Indian takeaway tonight.
Takeout
(bridge) a bid that asks your partner to bid another suit
Takeaway
(golf) The preliminary part of a golfer′s swing when the club is brought back away from the ball.
Takeout
Of or involving food to be taken and eaten off the premises;
Takeout pizza
The takeout counter
`take-away' is chiefly British
Takeaway
(US) A concession made by a labor union in the course of negotiations.
Takeaway
An idea from a talk, presentation, etc., that the listener or reader should remember and consider.
Takeaway
Prepared food that is intended to be eaten off of the premises;
In England they call takeout food `takeaway'
Takeaway
A concession made by a labor union to a company that is trying to lower its expenditures
Takeaway
The act of taking the ball or puck away from the team on the offense (as by the interception of a pass)
Common Curiosities
Is takeaway limited to certain types of food?
No, takeaway can include a wide range of foods, from traditional dishes to fast food.
What is takeout?
Takeout is food ordered from a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere, typically associated with American English.
Do all restaurants offer takeout or takeaway?
While many do, it varies depending on the restaurant's business model and capabilities.
Are takeout and takeaway the same?
Essentially, yes. The primary difference lies in regional language usage, with "takeout" being American and "takeaway" British.
How does packaging differ between takeout and takeaway?
Packaging may reflect regional preferences and environmental regulations, with takeaway packaging in the UK often focusing on sustainability.
What is takeaway?
Takeaway is the British term for food ordered from a restaurant and taken away to eat elsewhere.
Can takeout refer to delivery services?
In American English, "takeout" can imply both pickup and delivery services.
Is takeout more popular in certain areas?
Takeout is widely popular, especially in urban areas and among those with busy lifestyles, due to its convenience.
Have online platforms changed the takeout and takeaway industry?
Yes, online ordering platforms and apps have made it easier to order, enhancing the convenience of both takeout and takeaway.
How do environmental concerns impact takeout and takeaway?
There's a growing emphasis on sustainable packaging and reducing waste in both takeout and takeaway services.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
