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

Every bolt, every line of code, every system had to be validated and tested carefully, or the shuttle would never leave the launchpad. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025

The conversations with girls in her community inspired the teen to use the once-makeshift donation center as a launchpad. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025

The album was the launchpad for what has been a legendary career, as Ludacris went on to release several more studio albums and is now widely regarded as one of the most popular and acclaimed artists the south has ever produced. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Despite the hefty cost – often bore in staggering loans – the risk was palatable because the reward was likely a career launchpad that no other country in the world could offer. —Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 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