launched; launching; launches
1
a
: to throw forward : hurl
launched an arrow at a target
b
: to release, catapult, or send off (a self-propelled object)
launch a rocket
2
a
: to set (a boat or ship) afloat
b
: to give (a person) a start
launched her on a new career
d
: to load into a computer's memory and run
launch a program
1
a
: to spring forward : take off
The catapult snagged and the plane overturned before it could launch.
b
: to enter energetically
launched into an impromptu speech—
Tim Tucker
Tim Tucker2
a
archaic
: to slide down the ways
b
: to make a start
had launched on his hour of study—Hallam Tennyson
Hallam Tennyson1
: a large boat that operates from a ship
2
: a small motorboat that is open or that has the forepart of the hull covered
Examples of launch in a Sentence
Verb
The enemy launched an attack at sunrise.
She's trying to launch a new career as a singer.
The police have launched an investigation into his activities.
He helped launch her in her career as a singer.
The company is expected to launch several new products next year.
You can launch the program by double-clicking on the icon.
Noun (1)
the reporters held their collective breath as they silently watched the space shuttle's launch
we are at the launch of a new age of space exploration
Recent Examples on the Web
Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
China has been building the world’s largest navy, launching high-tech warships at a frenetic pace under the leadership of Xi Jinping, putting pressure on the United States and its Pacific allies to keep pace.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
According to market data, Li Auto has sold a total of 25,817 units since the model’s launch, reflecting steady demand in China’s growing electric MPV market.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launch
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Bourbon, as an industry, has seen plenty of hurdles in the 155 years since George Garvin Brown launched the company.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
China has been building the world’s largest navy, launching high-tech warships at a frenetic pace under the leadership of Xi Jinping, putting pressure on the United States and its Pacific allies to keep pace.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
The Liaoning and the Shandong are smaller – displacing 60,000 to 70,000 tons – and their launch system limits the weapons and fuel load of aircraft.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
According to market data, Li Auto has sold a total of 25,817 units since the model’s launch, reflecting steady demand in China’s growing electric MPV market.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launch
Cite this Entry
“Launch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launch. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
launch
1 of 3 verb
ˈlȯnch 
ˈlänch
1
a
: to throw or spring forward : hurl
launch a spear
b
: to send off an object especially with force
launch a rocket
c
: to set a ship afloat
2
a
: to put in operation : begin
launch an attack
b
: to give a person a start
c
: to make a start especially energetically
launcher
noun
launch
2 of 3 noun
: an act of launching
launch
3 of 3 noun
: a small motorboat that is open or that has the front part of the hull covered
Etymology
Verb
Middle English launchen "to launch, hurl," from an early French dialect word launcher (same meaning), from Latin lanceare "to use a lance"
Noun
from Spanish or Portuguese lancha "a boat used to go to and from a large ship"
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share