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

Just after noon on Monday, a SpaceX rocket stood on the same launchpad that once sent men to the moon. —David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2024

Once Milton barreled its way out of the state, NASA and SpaceX teams returned to inspect the launch site at the spaceport in Cape Canaveral before later giving a green light for the craft to return to the launchpad ahead of Monday's launch. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024

That launch aimed solely to get the 397-foot (121-meter) vehicle off the launchpad. —Jackie Wattles, CNN, 13 Oct. 2024

The Israeli military said special forces were carrying out ground raids against Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, destroying missiles, launchpads and weapons storage facilities. —Democrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 6 Oct. 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