launches

1. 1
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of launch.

   The agency launches its satellite at dawn tomorrow.

   Each spring she launches a fresh marketing campaign.

   Note

   A verb that always wants an object. Whatever the subject launches is named next: a ship into the water, a rocket or balloon skyward, a person on a mission, a campaign, a program on a computer. Alongside these runs a throwing sense, as in hurling a lance or dart. The related use meaning to pierce with a lance is now obsolete. It is spelled exactly like the plural noun, so position tells them apart: right after a singular subject, it is the verb.

2. 2
   noun

   Plural of launch.

   The harbor was crowded with launches ferrying tourists to the island.

   Both product launches were pushed back until next quarter.

   Note

   One spelling covers two quite different things. Some launches are boats: a warship's largest boat (the captain's launch), a boat carrying guests to a yacht, or any open powered craft. Other launches are events: a ship sliding into the water, a new book or project, or the party held to celebrate it. Context separates them, as in a harbor full of launches versus launches postponed. The -es ending follows the usual rule for nouns ending in -ch.

Showing meanings only. Show all 2