launch

verb

\ ˈlȯnch

How to pronounce launch (audio)

, ˈlänch\

launched; launching; launches

Definition of launch

(Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to throw forward : hurl launched an arrow at a target

b : to release, catapult, or send off (a self-propelled object) launch a rocket

2a : to set (a boat or ship) afloat

b : to give (a person) a start launched her on a new career

c(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 — Newsweek

d : 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 ways

b : to make a start had launched on his hour of study— Hallam Tennyson

launch

noun (1)

Definition of launch (Entry 2 of 3)

: an act or instance of launching

launch

noun (2)

Definition of launch (Entry 3 of 3)

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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about launch

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Examples of launch in a Sentence

Verb

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.

History and Etymology for launch

Verb and Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French *lancher, lancer, from Late Latin lanceare to wield a lance — more at lance

Noun (2)

Spanish or Portuguese; Spanish lancha, from Portuguese

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Time Traveler for launch

The first known use of launch was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for launch

launch

verb

English Language Learners Definition of launch

: 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

See the full definition for launch in the English Language Learners Dictionary

launch

verb

\ ˈlȯnch

\

launched; launching

Kids Definition of launch

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : to throw or spring forward : hurl McNab scooped up a handful of track stones. He launched one.— Jerry Spinelli, Maniac Magee

2 : to send off especially with force launch a spacecraft

3 : to set afloat launch a ship

4 : to give a start to : begin launch a plan

launch

noun

Kids Definition of launch (Entry 2 of 3)

: an act of launching a rocket launch

launch

noun

Kids Definition of launch (Entry 3 of 3)

: a small open or partly covered motorboat

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WORD OF THE DAY

insuperable

incapable of being surmounted or overcome

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