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

… engineers weren't able to immediately troubleshoot the issue. Eventually the capsule had to be rolled back from the launch pad.

—AirGuide Business

It [an unmanned aircraft] requires no infrastructure, such as runways, launching pads or recovery devices.

—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

2

: 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

Success at the Olympic Games has long been the launch pad for a professional career …

—Gareth A Davies

Another function of the farmers' market within the town is serving as a launching pad for new businesses.

—Danielle Sottosanti

Examples 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

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

launchpad

noun

launch·​pad ˈlȯnch-ˌpad 

ˈlänch-

: a nonflammable platform from which a rocket can be launched

called also launching pad