platform
noun
plat·form
ˈplat-ˌfȯrm 
plural platforms
1
a
: a flat horizontal surface that is usually higher than the adjoining area: such as
(1)
: a raised flooring (such as a stage or dais)
… a great stack of chairs piled up on and about the musicians' platform …—
Joseph Conrad
Joseph ConradFrom this official table on a raised platform … , Robert Thomas, the show's chairman, directs operations …—Liz Horwitt
Liz Horwitt
(2)
: an elevated area next to railroad tracks for the boarding of trains
The platform was crowded with waiting passengers.
b
: a device or structure incorporating or providing a platform
a viewing platform
specifically
: such a structure on legs used for offshore drilling (as for oil)
2
: a declaration of the principles on which a group of persons stands
especially
: a declaration of principles and policies adopted by a political party or a candidate
the Republican/Democratic platform
She's running (for office) on a platform of reform.
3
: a means or opportunity to communicate ideas or information to a group of people
The event provides a platform for Latino artists, writers and creators in the comic book industry.—Sonia Ramirez
Sonia Ramirez… a new understanding among the young of how celebrity now works, and the power of a personal brand as a marketing platform.—Strawberry Saroyan
Strawberry Saroyan4
: the grounds or basis for further action
The company used the innovation as a platform for future growth.
5
a
or platform sole plural platform soles
: a usually thick layer (as of cork) between the inner sole and outer sole of a shoe
b
or platform shoe plural platform shoes
: a shoe having such a sole
6
computing
a
: operating system
also
: the computer architecture and equipment using a particular operating system
b
: an application or website that serves as a base from which a service is provided
music streaming platforms
… has built a cloud-computing platform for use by others.—The Economist
The Economist… billions of photos scraped from Facebook and other social media platforms.—C. J. Ciaramella
C. J. Ciaramella7
a
: a vehicle (such as a satellite or aircraft) used for a particular purpose or to carry a usually specified kind of equipment
b
: a basic pattern (such as the chassis) upon which an automobile or class of automobiles is constructed
Based on the platform of Fiat's upmarket Alfa Romeo Giulietta, though wider and longer for American roads, it's all in all a much sexier compact than anything Chrysler has ever designed.—Bill Saporito
Bill Saporito
Examples of platform in a Sentence
He stepped up onto the platform and looked out into the audience.
She stepped off the train onto the platform.
Our train is boarding on platform 6.
The party adopted a new platform.
The company plans to use the show as a platform to launch the new soft drink.
Recent Examples on the Web
Indeed, Taiwan’s decision to respond to incursions into its air defense identification zone by scrambling fighter jets and to trail Chinese navy ships on the seas has heavily taxed its defense platforms and risks exhausting the military, thereby compromising Taiwan’s readiness for direct conflict.
—David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
Cox, who ran on a platform of restoring trust in Santa Clara’s government, could be a loyal ally of Mayor Lisa Gillmor, who is losing Councilmember Kathy Watanabe’s support in District 1 to term limits.
—Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
It's repeatedly faced harsh criticism over its failure to curb child abuse on the platform.
—Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Chatter about the inevitability of consolidation within the streaming world has been going on for well over a year now, with a widespread expectation that at some point, a couple of major platforms will either merge or go away.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for platform 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
Cox, who ran on a platform of restoring trust in Santa Clara’s government, could be a loyal ally of Mayor Lisa Gillmor, who is losing Councilmember Kathy Watanabe’s support in District 1 to term limits.
—Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
It's repeatedly faced harsh criticism over its failure to curb child abuse on the platform.
—Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Chatter about the inevitability of consolidation within the streaming world has been going on for well over a year now, with a widespread expectation that at some point, a couple of major platforms will either merge or go away.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for platform
Articles Related to platform
Dictionary Entries Near platform
Cite this Entry
“Platform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platform. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
platform
noun
plat·form
ˈplat-ˌfȯrm
1
: a declaration of the beliefs and goals of a political party or candidate
2
a
: a level usually raised surface
a railroad station platform
b
: a raised floor or stage for performers or speakers
3
: a thick sole for a shoe or a shoe with such a sole
4
a
b
: an application or website that serves as the base from which a service is provided
social media platforms
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