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 month starts a period of meeting and events that serve as a launchpad for the year’s final event, COP30 this November in Belém, Brazil.
—Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Quietly defiant and proudly independent, the German festival has built a reputation over three decades as a launchpad for boundary-pushing cinema.
—Kevin Cassidy, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
For years, South Dakota has been the launchpad for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
—Kate Sosin, Them., 8 May 2025
Now boasting over 200 events and participants from nearly 100 countries, MIFA is a launchpad for emerging voices and a place where new projects, like those from Bangladesh, Vietnam and Costa Rica, can find global partners.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
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Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Quietly defiant and proudly independent, the German festival has built a reputation over three decades as a launchpad for boundary-pushing cinema.
—Kevin Cassidy, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
For years, South Dakota has been the launchpad for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
—Kate Sosin, Them., 8 May 2025
Now boasting over 200 events and participants from nearly 100 countries, MIFA is a launchpad for emerging voices and a place where new projects, like those from Bangladesh, Vietnam and Costa Rica, can find global partners.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 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 30 May. 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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