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

Since its inception in 1994, New Faces has been regarded as a premier launchpad, helping to propel the careers of dozens of comedy’s biggest stars — among them, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Jo Koy, and Kumail Nanjiani. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 July 2025

E-commerce, publishing, events and longform content are also encouraged by Dear Media as avenues of growth for its creators, with their respective podcasts as their springboards and launchpads. —Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025

With its 2025 edition, the ESSENCE Film Festival continues to expand its cultural and industrial footprint, providing a launchpad for underrepresented filmmakers and stories not yet centered by the mainstream. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 July 2025

California deserves leadership that solves problems — not one that uses failure as a launchpad for higher office. —Melissa Melendez, Oc Register, 13 July 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