platform
noun
plat·form
ˈplat-ˌfȯrm
plural platforms
1
a
: a flat horizontal surface that is usually higher than the adjoining area: such as
(1)
: a raised flooring (such as a stage or dais)
… a great stack of chairs piled up on and about the musicians' platform …—Joseph Conrad
From this official table on a raised platform … , Robert Thomas, the show's chairman, directs operations …—Liz Horwitt
(2)
: an elevated area next to railroad tracks for the boarding of trains
The platform was crowded with waiting passengers.
b
: a device or structure incorporating or providing a platform
a viewing platform
specifically
: such a structure on legs used for offshore drilling (as for oil)
2
: a declaration of the principles on which a group of persons stands
especially
: a declaration of principles and policies adopted by a political party or a candidate
the Republican/Democratic platform
She's running (for office) on a platform of reform.
3
: a means or opportunity to communicate ideas or information to a group of people
The event provides a platform for Latino artists, writers and creators in the comic book industry.—Sonia Ramirez
… a new understanding among the young of how celebrity now works, and the power of a personal brand as a marketing platform.—Strawberry Saroyan
4
: the grounds or basis for further action
The company used the innovation as a platform for future growth.
5
a
or platform sole plural platform soles
: a usually thick layer (as of cork) between the inner sole and outer sole of a shoe
b
or platform shoe plural platform shoes
: a shoe having such a sole
6
computing
a
: operating system
also
: the computer architecture and equipment using a particular operating system
b
: an application or website that serves as a base from which a service is provided
music streaming platforms
… has built a cloud-computing platform for use by others.—The Economist
… billions of photos scraped from Facebook and other social media platforms.—C. J. Ciaramella
7
a
: a vehicle (such as a satellite or aircraft) used for a particular purpose or to carry a usually specified kind of equipment
b
: a basic pattern (such as the chassis) upon which an automobile or class of automobiles is constructed
Based on the platform of Fiat's upmarket Alfa Romeo Giulietta, though wider and longer for American roads, it's all in all a much sexier compact than anything Chrysler has ever designed.—Bill Saporito
Cite this Entry
“Platform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platform. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.
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