launchpad

noun

Definition of launchpadnext
as in pad
an area from which a rocket is launched
—often used figuratively The TV cameras were focused on the launchpad as the time for liftoff approached. The program she hosted on local radio was the launchpad for her network career.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of launchpad Canada’s next-generation submarine program could also become a launchpad for clean manufacturing technology. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026 Under its new management, Arlo Williamsburg captures its surrounding eclectic, artsy spirit, and is continuing to serve as a launchpad for all things local (especially for those who love to socialize). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026 Could the biggest sporting event in the world double as the launchpad for Post Malone’s next era? — Spin Staff, SPIN, 17 July 2026 And when engines light, SpaceX has to fire off its water deluge system, which showers the launchpad with hundreds of thousands of gallons of water in mere moments to shield the vital infrastructure from the blaze of liftoff. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
  1. pad
  2. airport
  3. airfield
  4. aerodrome
Noun
  • In the weeks since, crews have been building a sprawling helicopter landing pad, meaning even more grass has been removed from the lawn.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The explosion — which destroyed the rocket and some key pieces of pad infrastructure — occurred on May 28 during a routine engine test at Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • This case is small enough for spontaneous games by the lake, in an airport lounge, or after a long lunch that stretches into sunset cocktails—even the simplest games deserve first-class treatment.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026
  • And with this universal adapter compatible with over 200 countries, a few hours to kill in an international airport gets a little easier.
    — Lara Kramer, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of airport
Noun
  • The community will also include a bilingual K-12 private school, a 24-hour medical and wellness center, an organic farm, a private airfield, beach clubs, a racquet and field club, an equestrian center, and two championship golf courses.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As the race has evolved, so have the security measures required to put more than 1,600 runners onto the airfield of one of the nation’s busiest airports.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of airfield
Noun
  • The former often requires irregular cargo like radar systems, missile launchers, helicopters, engineering gear, bridge-laying equipment, etc, delivered to areas with no existing aerodromes.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
  • Jean-Christophe Verhaegen / AFP via Getty Images The aircraft, registered in Germany, crashed in a grassy area near the runway of the Nancy-Essey aerodrome, close to a residential area and two roads, an AFP journalist reported.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 June 2026
Definition of aerodrome

Browse Nearby Words

launching
launchpad
launchpads
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Cite this Entry

“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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