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
Every bolt, every line of code, every system had to be validated and tested carefully, or the shuttle would never leave the launchpad.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
The conversations with girls in her community inspired the teen to use the once-makeshift donation center as a launchpad.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025
The album was the launchpad for what has been a legendary career, as Ludacris went on to release several more studio albums and is now widely regarded as one of the most popular and acclaimed artists the south has ever produced.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Despite the hefty cost – often bore in staggering loans – the risk was palatable because the reward was likely a career launchpad that no other country in the world could offer.
—Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
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Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
The conversations with girls in her community inspired the teen to use the once-makeshift donation center as a launchpad.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025
The album was the launchpad for what has been a legendary career, as Ludacris went on to release several more studio albums and is now widely regarded as one of the most popular and acclaimed artists the south has ever produced.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Despite the hefty cost – often bore in staggering loans – the risk was palatable because the reward was likely a career launchpad that no other country in the world could offer.
—Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 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 Oct. 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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