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
These institutions serve as launchpads, providing the resources, support, and community that enable Black students to not only envision their futures but also to shape them boldly.
—Quincy Green, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2024
Position your company as a launchpad for career growth, not just a paycheck.
—Kara Dennison, Sphr, Cprw, Ec, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
The film served as something of a launchpad for the two as film-festival darlings for the next few years.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2024
The Polaris Dawn mission had been scheduled to launch last week but was first delayed due to a helium leak in a launchpad hose that pumps helium into the Falcon 9 engines.
—Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for launchpad 
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Quincy Green, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2024
Position your company as a launchpad for career growth, not just a paycheck.
—Kara Dennison, Sphr, Cprw, Ec, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
The film served as something of a launchpad for the two as film-festival darlings for the next few years.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2024
The Polaris Dawn mission had been scheduled to launch last week but was first delayed due to a helium leak in a launchpad hose that pumps helium into the Falcon 9 engines.
—Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for launchpad
Dictionary Entries Near launchpad
Cite this Entry
“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launchpad. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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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