launch
lawnch
Launch (verb) means to send something (a rocket, ship, or projectile) into motion, often forcefully. Example: “NASA launched the satellite into orbit early this morning.”
verb
1
To send something (a rocket, ship, or projectile) into motion, often forcefully.
"NASA launched the satellite into orbit early this morning."
"The shipyard launched the new ferry with a bottle of champagne against its bow."
"The children launched their paper aeroplanes from the top of the stairs."
2
To start something new, such as a business, product, or campaign.
"The company launched its new app to mixed reviews."
"After years of saving, she finally launched her own bakery in the village."
"The charity will launch a new campaign to encourage people to recycle."
noun
1
The act of starting or introducing something new, or of sending a vessel or rocket into motion.
"Thousands watched the rocket launch live online."
"The launch of the new website was delayed by a week."
"Everyone cheered as the launch of the lifeboat went smoothly."
2
A large motorboat, especially one used to ferry people to and from a larger ship.
"A small launch carried passengers from the cruise ship to the harbor."
"We took the launch across the bay to reach the island hotel."
"The captain waited beside the launch to help the passengers climb aboard."
How to use launch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo start something moving or start something new — a product, a rocket, a ship, or a project.
Common pairings
launch a product
rocket launch
launch a campaign
product launch
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Word forms
- Plural
- launches
- Third person singular
- launches
- Past tense
- launched, launcht
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
NASA _____ the satellite into orbit early this morning.
Etymology
From Old French lancier, "to throw a lance," from lance.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for launch
See all rhymes for launch →Frequently asked questions
What does “launch” mean?
The word “launch” means to send something (a rocket, ship, or projectile) into motion, often forcefully. In plain terms, to start something moving or start something new — a product, a rocket, a ship, or a project.
How do you pronounce “launch”?
“Launch” is pronounced lawnch (/lɔːnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “launch” in a sentence?
Here is “launch” used in a sentence: “NASA launched the satellite into orbit early this morning.”
What part of speech is “launch”?
Depending on how it is used, “launch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “launch” come from?
The word “launch” comes from Old French. From Old French lancier, "to throw a lance," from lance.
Is “launch” a common word?
“Launch” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “launch” have?
“Launch” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to send something (a rocket, ship, or projectile) into motion, often forcefully.
What are the different meanings of launch?
Launch has two everyday senses. The first, physical, means to send something into motion, often forcefully — launching a rocket, a ship, or a projectile. The second, figurative, means to start or introduce something new, such as launching a product, a business, a campaign, or a website. Both share the idea of a powerful send-off.
What is the difference between launch and release?
In the context of products, launch is the act or event of introducing something to the world, usually with promotion and fanfare. Release means making it available for people to buy or use. A launch is the announcement and push; the release is the moment it actually reaches customers. The two often coincide.
What does it mean to launch a ship?
To launch a ship is to set a newly built vessel into the water for the first time, sliding it from the yard where it was constructed. Traditionally the event is marked by a ceremony, sometimes breaking a bottle against the hull. It is the moment the ship first floats.
What is an example of launch in a sentence?
Literally: The agency launched the satellite into orbit. Figuratively: The company launched its new phone in the spring, or They launched a campaign to clean up the river. In each case something is set forcefully into motion, whether a physical object or a brand-new venture.
Example sentences
Real-world examples showing launch in context, drawn from published sources. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.
Nearly everything that goes wrong on launch day was decided — or not decided — three weeks earlier.
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