launchpad

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 Namkoong, who was once a Mise-en-scène breakout herself, described the festival as a launchpad for the next generation of Korean directors. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 Many emerging designers were early to invest in footwear development, using unusual design as a launchpad for their fashion labels. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026 The risk is real because most launchpads are near a body of water. — Selam Gebrekidan, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, for example, recently exploded on the launchpad. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
  • The sensor has a 90-degree horizontal and 50-degree vertical field of view and is powered by a single CR123A battery, which is included along with adhesive mounting pads and a user guide.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Brady Tkachuk quickly spun to face Ullmark and shoved the puck under the goalie’s pads for his seventh goal of the season.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The airport’s parking lot was full, and people were parking across Freeport Boulevard in nearby neighborhoods.
    — Nathaniel Levine, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Russia's civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, said Friday afternoon that all four Moscow airports -- Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky -- stopped flights arriving and departing for security reasons.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Why ships and airfields need new defenses China’s research focuses on defending valuable assets.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Hollywood jet-set (who weren’t already flying private) loved the separate terminal two miles from the airfield with its secluded suites, attentive staff, and the ability to completely bypass LAX’s chaotic check-in and security.
    — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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