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

Nestled in the foothills of Silicon Valley, the school has long functioned as a launchpad for tech’s elite. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Russia's closest ally whose territory Russia used as a launchpad for invading Ukraine in 2022, said in December that Moscow had deployed the Oreshnik missile system to his country. —Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026

The Zhangzhou nuclear power plant is regarded as the launchpad for the large-scale rollout of Hualong One. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026

Its national showcases attract scouts, professional clubs, agents, and media from around the world, serving as a launchpad for top Canadian talent. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

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