launchpad
noun
launch·pad
ˈlȯnch-ˌpad 
ˈlänch-
variants
or launch pad
or less commonly launching pad
plural launchpads or launch pads also launching pads
1
: a nonflammable platform from which a rocket (such as a missile or a launch vehicle) can be launched
… a launchpad for smallish research rockets …—
David Quammen
David Quammen… engineers weren't able to immediately troubleshoot the issue. Eventually the capsule had to be rolled back from the launch pad.—AirGuide Business
AirGuide BusinessIt [an unmanned aircraft] requires no infrastructure, such as runways, launching pads or recovery devices.—Sam Davis
Sam Davis(figurative) Keep tree branches pruned back at least 4 feet from the nearest adjacent tree or structure—8 feet if the squirrel's potential launchpad (including power lines) is higher than the tree.—Sunset Magazine
Sunset Magazine2
: something (such as a place or event) that is suitable or favorable for growth, development, etc : springboard
… the [book's] extensive references provide a good launchpad for additional research.—Daniel Grassam
Daniel GrassamSuccess at the Olympic Games has long been the launch pad for a professional career …—Gareth A Davies
Gareth A DaviesAnother function of the farmers' market within the town is serving as a launching pad for new businesses.—Danielle Sottosanti
Danielle SottosantiExamples of launchpad in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This incubation function essentially transforms the family office from a wealth preservation vehicle to an entrepreneurial launchpad.
—Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Networks forged through a multi-year college experience should be a launchpad to financial success, social mobility, and a better future, shaping the trajectory of a person’s career and life in ways that a job straight out of high school can’t replicate.
—Judy D. Olian, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
The arrival of the W124-generation E-Class — the first Mercedes to use that name — proved an ideal launchpad for their vision.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025
The festival also maintains its reputation as a launchpad for fresh talent, with close to half of the projects directed by first-time filmmakers.
—Lise Pedersen, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
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Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Networks forged through a multi-year college experience should be a launchpad to financial success, social mobility, and a better future, shaping the trajectory of a person’s career and life in ways that a job straight out of high school can’t replicate.
—Judy D. Olian, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
The arrival of the W124-generation E-Class — the first Mercedes to use that name — proved an ideal launchpad for their vision.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025
The festival also maintains its reputation as a launchpad for fresh talent, with close to half of the projects directed by first-time filmmakers.
—Lise Pedersen, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Cite this Entry
“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launchpad. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
launchpad
noun
launch·pad
ˈlȯnch-ˌpad
ˈlänch-
: a nonflammable platform from which a rocket can be launched
called also launching pad
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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