platform

noun

plat·​form ˈplat-ˌfȯrm 

plural platforms

1

a

: a flat horizontal surface that is usually higher than the adjoining area: such as

(1)

: a raised flooring (such as a stage or dais)

… a great stack of chairs piled up on and about the musicians' platform …

—Joseph Conrad

From this official table on a raised platform … , Robert Thomas, the show's chairman, directs operations …

—Liz Horwitt

(2)

: an elevated area next to railroad tracks for the boarding of trains

The platform was crowded with waiting passengers.

b

: a device or structure incorporating or providing a platform

a viewing platform

specifically : such a structure on legs used for offshore drilling (as for oil)

2

: a declaration of the principles on which a group of persons stands

especially : a declaration of principles and policies adopted by a political party or a candidate

the Republican/Democratic platform

She's running (for office) on a platform of reform.

3

: a means or opportunity to communicate ideas or information to a group of people

The event provides a platform for Latino artists, writers and creators in the comic book industry.

—Sonia Ramirez

… a new understanding among the young of how celebrity now works, and the power of a personal brand as a marketing platform.

—Strawberry Saroyan

4

: the grounds or basis for further action

The company used the innovation as a platform for future growth.

5

a

or platform sole plural platform soles : a usually thick layer (as of cork) between the inner sole and outer sole of a shoe

b

or platform shoe plural platform shoes : a shoe having such a sole

6

computing

a

: operating system

also : the computer architecture and equipment using a particular operating system

b

: an application or website that serves as a base from which a service is provided

music streaming platforms

… has built a cloud-computing platform for use by others.

—The Economist

… billions of photos scraped from Facebook and other social media platforms.

—C. J. Ciaramella

7

a

: a vehicle (such as a satellite or aircraft) used for a particular purpose or to carry a usually specified kind of equipment

b

: a basic pattern (such as the chassis) upon which an automobile or class of automobiles is constructed

Based on the platform of Fiat's upmarket Alfa Romeo Giulietta, though wider and longer for American roads, it's all in all a much sexier compact than anything Chrysler has ever designed.

—Bill Saporito

8

obsolete : plan, design

Synonyms

• dais
• podium
• rostrum
• stage
• stand
• tribune

Examples of platform in a Sentence

He stepped up onto the platform and looked out into the audience.

She stepped off the train onto the platform.

Our train is boarding on platform 6.

The party adopted a new platform.

The company plans to use the show as a platform to launch the new soft drink.

Recent Examples on the Web

Indeed, Taiwan’s decision to respond to incursions into its air defense identification zone by scrambling fighter jets and to trail Chinese navy ships on the seas has heavily taxed its defense platforms and risks exhausting the military, thereby compromising Taiwan’s readiness for direct conflict. —David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024

Cox, who ran on a platform of restoring trust in Santa Clara’s government, could be a loyal ally of Mayor Lisa Gillmor, who is losing Councilmember Kathy Watanabe’s support in District 1 to term limits. —Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024

It's repeatedly faced harsh criticism over its failure to curb child abuse on the platform. —Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

Chatter about the inevitability of consolidation within the streaming world has been going on for well over a year now, with a widespread expectation that at some point, a couple of major platforms will either merge or go away. —Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French plate-forme diagram, map, literally, flat form

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing platform

• oil platform
• platform balance
• platform game
• platform rocker
• platform tennis

Kids Definition

platform

noun

plat·​form ˈplat-ˌfȯrm 

1

: a declaration of the beliefs and goals of a political party or candidate

2

a

: a level usually raised surface

a railroad station platform

b

: a raised floor or stage for performers or speakers

3

: a thick sole for a shoe or a shoe with such a sole

4

a

: operating system

b

: an application or website that serves as the base from which a service is provided

social media platforms