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

But the day still belonged to Windass, especially as his hat-trick proved to be the launchpad to a quite remarkable ‘Great Escape’ as Bradford won three of their remaining four games to stay up. —The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

The importance of both Cannes and Venice as launchpads is at an all-time high. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2025

Feature Directorial Debuts to Watch Sundance is the launchpad for many filmmakers, and each year the festival mints new directorial breakouts. —Kristen Tauer, WWD, 23 Jan. 2025

The vehicle remained firmly clamped to the launchpad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. —Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024

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