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

By week two, you should be focused only on those showing commitment—improving leadership ROI and giving top reps a launchpad to succeed. —Ryan Hohman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Kudos to Davis, for cultivating a cultural haven that became a launchpad for excellence and a beacon of resilience in an underserved community. —Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025

Driving from New York City to JFK, for example, can often take an hour or longer, but Blade said a helicopter ride from the company's launchpad in Manhattan to the airport takes just 5 minutes. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025

This course bundle is a solid launchpad for aspiring cyber pros or curious tech minds who want to stay ahead of today’s threats. —PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 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