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
Meanwhile, the rocket booster headed back to the ground while firing its engines and using its fins to slow and control its descent to land about seven minutes after liftoff about two miles from the launchpad.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Liftoff will happen here in West Texas from a launchpad on a mammoth ranch owned by Jeff Bezos.
—CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
Its ever-changing setup has become a launchpad for budding DJs, an oasis for those in search of lively dance floor and an unlikely intimate venue for bigger artists.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, competing services are on the launchpad, including from rival billionaire Jeff Bezos’ Amazon.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
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Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Liftoff will happen here in West Texas from a launchpad on a mammoth ranch owned by Jeff Bezos.
—CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
Its ever-changing setup has become a launchpad for budding DJs, an oasis for those in search of lively dance floor and an unlikely intimate venue for bigger artists.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, competing services are on the launchpad, including from rival billionaire Jeff Bezos’ Amazon.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 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 21 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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