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

This place is also a launchpad for trips into the unspeakably beautiful Finnish archipelago, a chain of islands stretching across the Baltic to Sweden. —Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025

That Easter frame has been a prime launchpad for the studio, with previous Holy weekend hits Batman v. Superman, Ready Player One, Clash of the Titans and Godzilla x King: New Empire. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2025

Milwaukee Film’s ‘Indie Breakouts’ series starts with ‘Donnie Darko’ Milwaukee Film kicks off 2025 with a series of independent movies that proved to be launchpads for the actors in them and the directors making them. —Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 26 Dec. 2024

Rapid ascent for a guy named Shapiro, VP shortlist a launchpad for the Dems' next superhero? —Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 23 Dec. 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