Carryout vs. Takeaway — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
Carryout refers to food ordered for off-premises consumption, commonly used in American English, while takeaway denotes the same concept but is primarily used in British English.
Difference Between Carryout and Takeaway
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Key Differences
Carryout is a term predominantly used in American English to describe food that is prepared by a restaurant and intended to be eaten elsewhere. When you order carryout, you typically go to the restaurant, place your order, and then take the food home or to another location. Takeaway, on the other hand, is the British English equivalent of carryout. It refers to food that is purchased from a restaurant and taken away to be consumed off the premises.
Carryout is often associated with a variety of food establishments in the US, including pizzerias, Chinese restaurants, and fast-food outlets. This term emphasizes the action of carrying the food out from the place of purchase. On the contrary, takeaway in the UK is used broadly across many types of eateries, from Indian curry houses to local sandwich shops, highlighting the act of taking the food away.
Both terms imply that the food is not meant to be consumed at the restaurant. However, the cultural context and regional usage differ, with carryout being the preferred term in the US and takeaway in the UK. This difference reflects the linguistic variations between American and British English.
Carryout can also imply a certain convenience for busy lifestyles in the US, where people might pick up dinner on their way home from work. Whereas takeaway in the UK often evokes a similar convenience but might also be linked to traditional meals enjoyed at home with family or friends.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Food ordered for off-premises consumption
Food ordered for off-premises consumption
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Primary Usage
American English
British English
Common Context
Pizzerias, Chinese restaurants, fast-food outlets
Fish and chips shops, curry houses, sandwich shops
Cultural Connotation
Convenience for busy lifestyles
Traditional meals at home
Emphasis
Carrying the food out
Taking the food away
Compare with Definitions
Carryout
Food prepared by a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere.
We ordered carryout pizza for dinner last night.
Takeaway
Food purchased from a restaurant to be eaten off the premises.
We grabbed some takeaway fish and chips for lunch.
Carryout
The service of preparing food for off-premises consumption.
The restaurant offers a carryout option for all its menu items.
Takeaway
The act of taking food away from a restaurant.
Ordering takeaway is a weekly tradition for our family.
Carryout
Food that is ready to be picked up and taken away.
The carryout order was ready in 15 minutes.
Takeaway
A restaurant or shop that sells food to be eaten elsewhere.
The local takeaway is known for its delicious curries.
Carryout
The act of taking food away from a restaurant.
She prefers carryout because it saves time on busy nights.
Takeaway
Food that is ready to be taken and consumed off the premises.
He picked up a takeaway order on his way home from work.
Carryout
A restaurant or food outlet that specializes in food for off-premises consumption.
There’s a new carryout place that just opened down the street.
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.
Carryout
Food that is intended to be eaten outside the establishment from which it is bought.
Takeaway
The lesson or principle that one learns from a story or event. Used with the.
Carryout
An establishment that prepares and sells food to be taken away on demand; a takeaway.
Takeaway
A concession made by a labor union during contract negotiations; a giveback.
Takeaway
Chiefly British A takeout restaurant.
Takeaway
Chiefly British Takeout.
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.
Takeaway
A restaurant that sells food to be eaten elsewhere.
If you're hungry, there's a takeaway just around the corner.
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.
Takeaway
(golf) The preliminary part of a golfer′s swing when the club is brought back away from the ball.
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)
Takeaway
The service of providing food for off-premises consumption.
This café has a great takeaway service for busy mornings.
Common Curiosities
What is takeaway?
Takeaway is the British English term for food purchased from a restaurant to be consumed off the premises.
Where is the term takeaway primarily used?
Takeaway is primarily used in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries.
Can takeaway include beverages?
Yes, takeaway can include beverages as well as food.
Do both terms imply food is not to be eaten at the restaurant?
Yes, both carryout and takeaway imply the food is meant to be consumed off the premises.
What is carryout?
Carryout refers to food ordered from a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere, commonly used in American English.
Are carryout and takeaway the same?
Yes, they both refer to food ordered for off-premises consumption but are used in different English dialects.
Can carryout refer to any type of food?
Yes, carryout can refer to any type of food ordered to be eaten off-premises.
Where is the term carryout primarily used?
Carryout is primarily used in the United States.
Are there cultural differences between carryout and takeaway?
Yes, carryout is often linked to busy American lifestyles, while takeaway in the UK may evoke traditional meals enjoyed at home.
Is carryout always a service from restaurants?
Generally, yes, carryout refers to food prepared by restaurants to be taken elsewhere.
What types of restaurants offer takeaway?
Various eateries in the UK, such as fish and chips shops, curry houses, and sandwich shops, offer takeaway.
Is carryout a convenient option?
Yes, carryout is convenient for busy lifestyles, allowing people to pick up food quickly.
What types of restaurants offer carryout?
Many types of restaurants in the US, including pizzerias, Chinese restaurants, and fast-food outlets, offer carryout.
Is takeaway popular in the UK?
Yes, takeaway is a popular option in the UK for quick and convenient meals.
Do both terms emphasize speed and convenience?
Yes, both terms highlight the convenience of getting food quickly to be eaten elsewhere.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
