Definition of launch
transitive verb
1a : to throw forward : hurl launched an arrow at a targetb : to release, catapult, or send off (a self-propelled object) launch a rocket
2a : to set (a boat or ship) afloatb : to give (a person) a start launched her on a new careerc (1) : to put into operation or set in motion : initiate, introduce launch a business launch a fund drive (2) : to get off to a good start a literary dinner to launch the book — Newsweekd : to load into a computer's memory and run launch a program
intransitive verb
1a : to spring forward : take off The catapult snagged and the plane overturned before it could launch.b : to enter energetically launched into an impromptu speech — Tim Tucker
2a archaic : to slide down the waysb : to make a start had launched on his hour of study — Hallam Tennyson
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of launch in a Sentence
The enemy launched an attack at sunrise.
She's trying to launch a new career as a singer.
The police have launched an investigation into his activities.
He helped launch her in her career as a singer.
The company is expected to launch several new products next year.
You can launch the program by double-clicking on the icon.
Origin and Etymology of launch
Middle English, from Anglo-French *lancher, lancer, from Late Latin lanceare to wield a lance — more at lance
Origin and Etymology of launch
see 1launch
launch
Definition of launch
1 : a large boat that operates from a ship
2 : a small motorboat that is open or that has the forepart of the hull covered
Origin and Etymology of launch
Spanish or Portuguese; Spanish lancha, from Portuguese
LAUNCH Defined for English Language Learners
launch
playDefinition of launch for English Language Learners
-
: to send or shoot (something, such as a rocket) into the air or water or into outer space
-
: to put (a boat or ship) on the water
-
: to throw (something) forward in a forceful way
LAUNCH Defined for Kids
Definition of launch for Students
launched
;launching
Learn More about launch
-
See words that rhyme with launch Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for launch Spanish Central: Translation of launch Nglish: Translation of launch for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of launch for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about launch
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up launch? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!