launchpad

noun

launch·​pad ˈlȯnch-ˌpad How to pronounce launchpad (audio)
ˈlänch-
: a nonflammable platform from which a rocket, launch vehicle, or guided missile can be launched

Examples of launchpad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Indeed, boasting institutional support from partners like Canal+ and Chanel, Biarritz shows growing promise as a public-facing, post-Cannes launchpad for the local market, while the programing director wants to make sure that rising tide lifts up a new generation of voices as well. Ben Croll, Variety, 19 June 2024 Such popular science fiction serves as a launchpad for Halpern's crash course on the strange physics behind multiple-universe theories. Amy Brady, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2024 Meanwhile, as Israel’s ties to an emboldened Azerbaijan have deepened, Iran has become concerned that Israel is turning Azerbaijan into its proxy and using it as a launchpad for operations against Iran. Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2023 Gadd is one of many performers to have found fame at the Fringe, which has served as a launchpad for talents as diverse as Robin Williams, Steve Coogan, Miranda Hart, Rachel Weisz, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, David Tennant and Brian Cox. Samantha Conti, WWD, 15 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for launchpad 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'launchpad.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of launchpad was in 1957

Dictionary Entries Near launchpad

Cite this Entry

“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launchpad. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

launchpad

noun
launch·​pad ˈlȯnch-ˌpad How to pronounce launchpad (audio)
ˈlänch-
: a nonflammable platform from which a rocket can be launched

called also launching pad

More from Merriam-Webster on launchpad

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