WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
ˈlaunch (or ˈlaunch•ing) ˌpad or ˈlaunchˌpad,n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Militarythe platform from which a rocket, missile, etc., is launched.
launch′ pad′,
- Rocketry, Militarythe platform on which a missile or launch vehicle undergoes final prelaunch checkout and countdown and from which it is launched from the surface of the earth.
- something that serves to launch or initiate:He used his legal experience as a launch pad for his career in politics..Also, launch′pad′. Also called launch′ing pad′, pad.
- 1955–60
'launch pad' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):