Launch Definition and Meaning
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Published on December 15, 2025
Launch refers to the act of starting or setting something in motion, especially with force or enthusiasm. e.g., The company's launch of its new product was a major event.
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Launch Definitions
To introduce a new product or service.
The tech startup is ready to launch its innovative app.
To begin a journey or mission, especially into space.
The space agency will launch the satellite tomorrow.
To throw or propel with force; hurl
Launch a spear.
To set or thrust (a self-propelled craft or projectile) in motion
Launch a rocket.
Launch a torpedo.
(Nautical) To put (a boat) into the water in readiness for use.
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To set going; initiate
Launch a career.
Launch a business venture.
To introduce to the public or to a market
Launched the new perfume with prime-time commercials on the major networks.
To give (someone) a start, as in a career or vocation.
To begin a new venture or phase; embark
Launch forth on a dangerous mission.
Launched out on her own after college.
To enter enthusiastically into something; plunge
Launched into a description of the movie.
The act of launching.
A large ship's boat.
A large, open motorboat.
(transitive) To throw (a projectile such as a lance, dart or ball); to hurl; to propel with force.
To pierce with, or as with, a lance.
(transitive) To cause (a vessel) to move or slide from the land or a larger vessel into the water; to set afloat.
The navy launched another ship.
(transitive) To cause (a rocket, balloon, etc., or the payload thereof) to begin its flight upward from the ground.
NASA launched several unmanned rockets before launching any of the Mercury astronauts.
(transitive) To send out; to start (someone) on a mission or project; to give a start to (something); to put in operation
Our business launched a new project.
To start (a program or feature); to execute or bring into operation.
Double-click an icon to launch the associated application.
(transitive) To release; to put onto the market for sale
(intransitive) Of a ship, rocket, balloon, etc.: to depart on a voyage; to take off.
To move with force and swiftness like a sliding from the stocks into the water; to plunge; to begin.
To launch into an argument or discussion
To launch into lavish expenditures
To start to operate.
After clicking the icon, the application will launch.
The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built. (Compare: to splash a ship.)
The act or fact of launching (a ship/vessel, a project, a new book, etc.).
An event held to celebrate the launch of a ship/vessel, project, a new book, etc.; a launch party.
Product launch
Book launch
(nautical) The boat of the largest size and/or of most importance belonging to a ship of war, and often called the "captain's boat" or "captain's launch".
(nautical) A boat used to convey guests to and from a yacht.
(nautical) An open boat of any size powered by steam, petrol, electricity, etc.
To throw, as a lance or dart; to hurl; to let fly.
To strike with, or as with, a lance; to pierce.
Launch your hearts with lamentable wounds.
To cause to move or slide from the land into the water; to set afloat; as, to launch a ship.
With stays and cordage last he rigged the ship,And rolled on levers, launched her in the deep.
To send out; to start (one) on a career; to set going; to give a start to (something); to put in operation; as, to launch a son in the world; to launch a business project or enterprise.
All art is used to sink episcopacy, and launch presbytery in England.
To move with force and swiftness like a sliding from the stocks into the water; to plunge; to make a beginning; as, to launch into the current of a stream; to launch into an argument or discussion; to launch into lavish expenditures; - often with out.
Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
He [Spenser] launches out into very flowery paths.
The act of launching.
The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built.
The boat of the largest size belonging to a ship of war; also, an open boat of any size driven by steam, naphtha, electricity, or the like.
A motorboat with an open deck or a half deck
The act of propelling with force
Set up or found;
She set up a literacy program
Propel with force;
Launch the space shuttle
Launch a ship
Launch for the first time; launch on a maiden voyage;
Launch a ship
Begin with vigor;
He launched into a long diatribe
She plunged into a dangerous adventure
Get going; give impetus to;
Launch a career
Her actions set in motion a complicated judicial process
Smoothen the surface of;
Float plaster
To set a boat or ship afloat.
They plan to launch the new yacht next week.
To start or initiate an activity or campaign.
The organization will launch a fundraising campaign.
To propel with force.
The catapult was used to launch the stones during the siege.
To give a start to a career or enterprise.
The mentor helped to launch her career in music.
To release a computer program or application for public use.
The developers are excited to launch the new software update.
To throw or hurl something.
He launched the ball across the field.
To make a forceful move or attack.
The chess player launched an aggressive opening strategy.
To officially start or open something, such as an event.
The mayor will launch the annual festival with a speech.
Launch Snonyms
Embark
To begin a course of action or journey.
They embark on their adventure at dawn.
Kickoff
Informal term for starting an event or activity.
The kickoff meeting set the project in motion.
Activate
To make something operative or active.
The engineer will activate the machine.
Introduce
To present something or someone for the first time.
The speaker will introduce the next topic.
Commence
To begin something.
The ceremony will commence at noon.
Initiate
To begin or start an action or process.
They will initiate the project next month.
Deploy
To position or utilize, especially in a strategic manner.
The company will deploy its resources efficiently.
Unveil
To reveal or disclose something new.
The artist will unveil her latest work at the gallery.
Inaugurate
To formally begin or introduce a new system, policy, or period.
The president will inaugurate the new healthcare policy.
Set in Motion
To start a process or series of events.
The decision set in motion a series of events.
Launch Idioms & Phrases
Soft launch
Introducing a new product or service to a limited audience before a full-scale launch.
The restaurant had a soft launch before its grand opening.
Launch pad
A platform from which rockets or spacecraft are launched.
The spacecraft was positioned on the launch pad.
Product launch
The introduction of a new product to the market.
The product launch was accompanied by a major advertising campaign.
Launch into something
To start something enthusiastically or energetically.
She launched into her presentation with confidence.
Launch a thousand ships
A reference to something that initiates a large series of events or actions.
Her revolutionary idea was enough to launch a thousand ships.
Launch Example Sentences
They watched as the rocket was prepared for launch.
The new website's launch was delayed due to technical issues.
The festival will launch with a parade through the city.
The author's book launch attracted a large crowd.
The marketing team is excited about the upcoming product launch.
The launch of the new policy will take place next week.
The organization decided to launch a new environmental initiative.
The launch event was attended by celebrities and industry leaders.
The spacecraft's launch was visible from miles away.
The military is set to launch a new satellite for communications.
The company is planning to launch a new line of products next month.
She was nervous about the launch of her first solo exhibition.
The launch of the new app was met with great enthusiasm.
After months of preparation, the team was ready for the launch.
The launch of the community project brought everyone together.
Common Curiosities
How do we divide launch into syllables?
Launch is divided into syllables as follows: launch.
How many syllables are in launch?
Launch has one syllable.
How is launch used in a sentence?
Launch is used to describe the act of starting or initiating something, such as a product, project, or event. e.g., The company plans to launch a new service next month.
Why is it called launch?
Launch originates from the late Middle English word 'lanchen', meaning to hurl or throw, which evolved to also include the setting of a boat into water and later expanded to include starting or initiating various activities or events.
What is a stressed syllable in launch?
In the word launch, the single syllable "launch" is stressed.
What is the second form of launch?
The second form of "launch" is "launched."
What part of speech is launch?
"Launch" can be both a verb and a noun, depending on its use in a sentence.
What is the verb form of launch?
The verb form of "launch" is "to launch."
What is the root word of launch?
The root of "launch" is the late Middle English word "lanchen," meaning to throw or hurl.
Is launch a noun or adjective?
"Launch" can be a noun (e.g., the launch of a product) and a verb (e.g., to launch a product), but it is not an adjective.
What is the first form of launch?
The first form of "launch" is "launch."
What is the third form of launch?
The third form of "launch" is also "launched."
What is the opposite of launch?
The opposite of "launch" could be "terminate" or "conclude," referring to bringing something to an end.
Is launch a countable noun?
Yes, as a noun, "launch" is countable (e.g., several launches were scheduled for the year).
Is the launch term a metaphor?
"Launch" can be used metaphorically, especially when referring to the start of non-physical entities like campaigns or initiatives.
Is the word launch a Gerund?
No, "launch" itself is not a gerund, but "launching" can be used as a gerund.
Is the word “launch” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
In sentences where "launch" is a verb, it can have a direct object (e.g., "They will launch the rocket"), but it is not used as an object itself.
What is the pronunciation of launch?
Launch is pronounced as /lɔːntʃ/.
What is the singular form of launch?
The singular form is "launch."
Is launch a negative or positive word?
"Launch" is generally neutral but can have positive connotations, especially in contexts of innovation and new beginnings.
Which vowel is used before launch?
The vowel used before "launch" depends on the context and the preceding word in a sentence.
What is another term for launch?
Another term for "launch" is "inaugurate," which means to formally begin or introduce something.
Is launch an adverb?
No, "launch" is not an adverb.
Is the word launch imperative?
"Launch" can be used in the imperative mood when giving a command, e.g., "Launch the product at noon."
Which determiner is used with launch?
Determiners like "the," "a," and possessive pronouns can be used with "launch," depending on the context.
Is launch an abstract noun?
As a noun, "launch" is not typically considered abstract because it refers to a tangible event or action.
Which article is used with launch?
The articles "a" or "the" can be used with "launch," depending on whether it is being referred to in a specific or general context.
What is the plural form of launch?
The plural form is "launches."
Is launch a vowel or consonant?
The word "launch" starts with a consonant.
Is launch a collective noun?
No, "launch" is not typically used as a collective noun.
Which preposition is used with launch?
Prepositions like "at," "on," and "into" can be used with "launch," depending on the context.
Which conjunction is used with launch?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used with "launch," depending on the sentence structure.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
