platform

PLAT-form/ˈplætfɔɹm/PLAT-fawm/ˈplætfɔːm/

21 meanings of platform

1
online servicenouncountable
A computer system on the internet that gives people services like shopping, chatting, or storing files.
Like a shopping mall on the internet, where many services sit in one place.
The company built its whole business on a single shopping platform.
Millions of users post short videos to the platform every day.
UsageSay on the platform.
Similarservice
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2
boarding areanouncountable
A raised area next to train tracks where people get on and off.
Like a raised path beside the train, so you can step straight on board.
We waited on the platform for the late train to arrive.
A guard told everyone to step back from the edge of the platform.
UsageWait on the platform; the train is at platform two.
Similarbay
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3
raised floornouncountable
A raised floor built for a job, such as one for workers at a building site.
Like a big step stool wide enough for several people to stand on.
The builders stood on a wooden platform to reach the high ceiling.
Old forts had stone platforms where heavy guns once stood.
Similarscaffold, deck, stage
4
computer systemnouncountable
A type of computer system or software that other programs are built to run on.
Like the foundation of a house: other things are built on top of it.
Developers had to rewrite the app for each platform.
Windows is still the most common desktop platform in many offices.
UsageSay an app runs on a platform.
Similarsystem, environment, architecture
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5
chance to be heardnounfigurativelycountable
A chance or place to share your opinions with other people.
Like a microphone that lets your voice reach a big crowd.
She used her award speech as a platform for her cause.
Community radio gives small groups a platform they would otherwise lack.
UsageSay give someone a platform.
Similarforum, outlet, voice, stage, soapbox
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6
foundationnounfigurativelycountable
Something that helps a business or project move forward and grow.
Like a springboard that pushes a diver up into the air.
The grant became a platform for the startup's rapid growth.
Her first novel gave her a platform for a long writing career.
UsageSay a platform for growth.
Similarfoundation, stage
7
political stancenounfigurativelycountable
The set of ideas and promises a political party stands for.
Like a list of promises a team makes before people vote for them.
The party's platform called for lower taxes and free college.
She won the election on a platform of cleaner energy.
UsageSay on a platform of lower taxes.
Similarmanifesto, program, agenda, policy
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8
thick-soled shoenounpluralabbreviationellipsis
Short for platform shoe: a shoe with a very thick sole.
She tripped when the heel of her platform caught on the stairs.
She kicked off her platforms and walked home barefoot.
UsageSay wear platforms.
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9
car basenounabbreviationellipsis
Short for car platform: the shared base parts that several car models are built on.
Several models share the same platform to cut costs.
Engineers designed one platform for three different models.
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Less common meanings

10
stagenouncountable
A raised floor where people stand to give speeches or perform.
Like the raised stage at a school play, so everyone in the room can see.
The mayor stepped onto the platform to address the crowd.
Singers and dancers filled the platform during the evening festival.
UsageSay on the platform.
Similarpodium, dais
Note
11
give exposureverbtransitive
To give a person, idea, or topic a public chance to be seen or heard.
Like giving someone a stage so a crowd can hear them.
Some networks refuse to platform speakers who spread false claims.
The festival decided to platform young writers from the region.
UsageOften said as criticism. The opposite is deplatform.
Similaramplify, showcase, spotlight, feature, promote
Oppositedeplatform
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12
stop (trains)verbtransitive
To bring a train up beside the spot where people get on and off.
Like pulling a bus right up to the curb so riders can step off.
Staff will platform the delayed service at bay two.
They platformed the early train on the far side of the station.
UsageSay the train was platformed at bay two.
Note
13
limited releaseverbtransitive
To show a film in only a few theaters first, to build excitement before a wider release.
Like selling a new toy in a few stores first to see if kids love it.
The studio decided to platform the drama in five cities before going nationwide.
The studio platformed the film in just four cities before opening it everywhere.
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14
flat rocknouncountable
A wide, flat area of rock, often shaped by waves over a long time.
Like a wide rock shelf left behind after the sea wears the land down.
At low tide, the rocky platform stretched far out to sea.
Children explored the tide pools across the flat platform.
Similarshelf, terrace, bench, ledge
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15
nounobsolete
A plan, drawing, or model used as a guide for making something.
His destruction intended by queene Quendred, hir platforme of the practise to kill him.
1577, Raphaell Holinshed, The Firste Volume of the Chronicles of EnglandHere, platforme means a plan for how something is to be done.
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16
verbobsoletetransitive
To make a plan or model of something, and lay it out.
I have ſaid what is meet to ſome who do not think it for the eaſe of their inconſequent Opinions, to grant that Church-Diſcipline is platform'd in the Bible, but that it is left to the diſcretion of Men.
1642, John Milton, The Reason of Church-Government Urg’d against Prelaty; republished in A Complete Collection of the HistoricalHere, platform'd means planned out or laid out.
Note
17
verbrare
To put something on a raised stage, or to treat it as if shown up high for all to see.
And this dog was satisfied / If a pale thin hand would glide / Down his dewlaps sloping / Which he pushed his nose within, / After—platforming his chin / On the palm left open.
1844, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, To Flush
18
verbrare
To give something a flat, raised surface, or to shape it into one.
19
verbrare
To add an idea or promise to a political party's list of plans.
Among them I scarcely can plot out one truth / Plain enough to be platformed by some voting sleuth / And paraded before the precinct polling-booth.
1955, Amy Lowell, Complete Poetical Works
20
noun
A thin wooden floor laid in part of a ship's hold or over the floor of the gunpowder store.
21
nounMyanmar
A paved path at the side of a road where people walk.

Practice

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Origin

From Middle French plateforme, meaning 'a flat form', made from 'plate' (flat) and 'forme' (form).

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

English platform comes from Middle French plateforme. en.wiktionary.org
Middle French plateforme means 'a flat form'. en.wiktionary.org
Plateforme is formed from plate ('flat') and forme ('form'). en.wiktionary.org