Food or meals prepared to be taken away and eaten elsewhere, rather than eaten at the restaurant; also called takeout.
Compound of 'carry' and 'out'; emerged in American English in the mid-20th century as restaurant culture expanded and convenience became valued.
The word 'carryout' is fascinating because different English-speaking regions use different terms—Americans say 'takeout,' Brits say 'takeaway,' and older folks say 'carryout.' It's a time capsule of how food culture changed!
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