platform
PLAT-fawm
Platform (noun) means a raised, flat surface for standing on, such as at a train station or on a stage. Example: “The train pulled in as commuters waited on the platform.”
noun
1
A raised, flat surface for standing on, such as at a train station or on a stage.
"The train pulled in as commuters waited on the platform."
"The speaker stepped onto the platform to address the crowd."
"Please stand behind the yellow line on the platform until the train stops."
2
A digital service or system that provides the basic structure for other applications, content, or activity to run on.
"The app runs on both the iOS and Android platforms."
"Many small shops now sell their goods through an online platform instead of a high street unit."
"Developers prefer a platform that makes it easy to build and share new tools."
3
The declared set of policies and principles a political party or candidate campaigns on.
"Her campaign platform focused on healthcare and education."
"The party's platform promised better bus services and cheaper childcare."
"Voters read each candidate's platform carefully before choosing who to support."
verb
1
To give someone or something visibility or a means to be seen or heard.
"Critics accused the network of platforming extreme views."
"The festival aims to platform young musicians who rarely get a chance to perform."
"She uses her podcast to platform local voices that others overlook."
How to use platform
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA raised surface to stand on; also a system that supports other things (like an app or a website), and a political party's set of promises.
Common pairings
train platform
social media platform
election platform
launch platform
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- platforms
- Past tense
- platformed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The train pulled in as commuters waited on the _____.
Etymology
From French plateforme, literally "flat form" — plate meaning "flat" plus forme, "form."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “platform” mean?
The word “platform” means a raised, flat surface for standing on, such as at a train station or on a stage. In plain terms, a raised surface to stand on; also a system that supports other things (like an app or a website), and a political party's set of promises.
How do you pronounce “platform”?
“Platform” is pronounced PLAT-fawm (/ˈplætfɔɹm/ in IPA).
How do you use “platform” in a sentence?
Here is “platform” used in a sentence: “The train pulled in as commuters waited on the platform.”
What part of speech is “platform”?
Depending on how it is used, “platform” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “platform” come from?
The word “platform” comes from French. From French plateforme, literally "flat form" — plate meaning "flat" plus forme, "form.".
Is “platform” a common word?
“Platform” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “platform” have?
“Platform” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a raised, flat surface for standing on, such as at a train station or on a stage.
What is a train station platform?
A platform at a station is the raised, flat area alongside the tracks where passengers wait and then step on or off trains. Its height is designed to line up with the train's doors for easy boarding. Platforms are usually numbered so travellers know exactly where their service will arrive.
What are the different meanings of platform?
Beyond a raised surface for standing on, such as a station or stage platform, the word has grown to mean other things: a set of political aims, a piece of computing technology like an operating system, or an online service such as a social network. This entry covers the physical sense.
What is the difference between a platform and a stage?
A platform is any raised, flat surface for standing on. A stage is a particular kind of platform built for performance, where actors, speakers, or musicians appear before an audience. So every stage is a platform, but platforms also include station platforms, viewing decks, and speakers' podiums.
Why are railway platforms raised?
Platforms are raised so their surface sits close to the level of the train's floor, letting passengers step on and off safely without a big climb or drop. The height also keeps waiting travellers clear of the tracks. Consistent platform heights help trains, wheelchairs, and luggage move smoothly.
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