launch

SayLAWNCH/lɔnt͡ʃ/UK/lɔːnt͡ʃ/

Verblaunches, launching, launched

Noun plurallaunches

12 meanings of launch

Practice

1
begin a projectverbtransitive
To start something new, like a plan or a project.
Like giving a toy car a push so it keeps rolling on its own.
They will launch a campaign to clean up the river.
The school launched a reading program for young kids.
UsageOften launch a campaign or launch a program.
Similarstart (entry), begin, initiate, mount, inaugurate
Oppositeend
2
release a productverbtransitive
To start offering a new product to people, usually for them to buy.
Like opening a new shop and inviting everyone in for the first time.
The company will launch a new phone this fall.
They launched their clothing line last spring.
Similarrelease, introduce, unveil, debut
Oppositewithdraw, discontinue
3
nouncountable
The time when something is launched, such as a ship, a rocket, or a new product, often with a special event.
Like the first day a new playground opens for everyone.
The launch of the new bridge project drew a big crowd.
Everyone celebrated the boat's launch into the harbor.
UsageOften in product launch and launch party.
4
lift offverbtransitive
To send a rocket or balloon up into the sky.
Like setting off a firework so it shoots up into the sky.
Engineers will launch the rocket at dawn.
They launched a weather balloon high into the clouds.
5
verbtransitive
To put a boat or ship into the water.
Like sliding a toy boat off your hand into the bathtub.
Workers will launch the new ship next week.
They launched the small boat from the dock.
6
run (computer)verbtransitive or intransitive
To start a computer program or app, or for a program to start running.
Like pressing play to start a movie.
Click the icon to launch the game.
She launched the app to check her messages.
UsageYou launch an app, and the app launches.
Note
7
throw hardverbtransitive
To throw something hard and fast through the air.
Like throwing a paper plane as hard as you can.
He will launch the ball clear across the field.
She launched the spear straight at the target.
Similarhurl, throw, fling, cast, pitch
Note
8
verbintransitive
To start doing something suddenly and with energy, or to rush forward with force.
They launch into action the moment the alarm sounds.
She launched forward and grabbed the falling rope.
UsageUsually launch into: she launched into a long story.
Similarplunge, dive, leap, jump
Note
9
verbintransitive
To take off or set out, the way a rocket or ship does.
Like a bird taking off from a branch into the open air.
The rocket will launch at sunrise.
The weather balloon launched right on schedule.
Similardepart
Oppositeland

Less common meanings

10
small boatnouncountable
An open boat with an engine, of any size, for example one that takes people to and from a bigger boat.
They crossed the bay in a small launch.
A wooden launch carried supplies out to the island.
Note
11
verbobsoletetransitive
To stab or pierce someone or something with a spear, or as if with one.
And launch your hearts with lamentable wounds.
1591, Edmund Spenser, The Teares of the MusesHere, launch means to pierce, as if with a spear.
Similarpierce, lance
Note
12
noun
The biggest or most important boat belonging to a warship.

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 1–9, 11

It comes from an old word meaning 'to throw like a lance', linked to the word 'lance'.

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

Launch comes from an older word meaning 'to throw like a lance'. en.wiktionary.org
Launch is etymologically linked to lance. en.wikipedia.org

Meaning 10

It comes from a Portuguese word 'lancha' meaning a barge or boat, probably from a Malay word meaning 'quick'.

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

The boat noun 'launch' comes from Portuguese 'lancha'. en.wiktionary.org
Portuguese 'lancha' means a barge or boat. en.wiktionary.org
Portuguese 'lancha' probably derives from a Malay word meaning 'quick'. en.wiktionary.org