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

Cineplex operates around 1,606 movie screens at 156 locations across Canada and is a major launchpad for Hollywood tentpoles and other films screening north of the border. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

As Chinese designers build international careers, Shanghai is increasingly becoming not only a launchpad but also a place to return to, offering access to local consumers, media and commercial partners. — Yiling Pan, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026

But Northeast’s performance, which emanates joy and a guileless sensuality, deserves to be as much of a launchpad to stardom. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026

Some companies become launchpads for people who later build companies, lead teams or create new categories. — Aleksandr Yampolskiy, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

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