# platform

Pronunciation: US say "PLAT-form" /ˈplætfɔɹm/; UK say "PLAT-fawm" /ˈplætfɔːm/

## Noun

1. A software system that delivers online services to users, such as social media, online shopping, or cloud computing.
   - Simple: A computer system on the internet that gives people services like shopping, chatting, or storing files.
   - _Their startup launched a cloud platform for storing and sharing large files._
   - _Several rival platforms compete for the same advertising revenue._
2. A raised structure or area alongside railroad tracks or a road where vehicles stop to let passengers on and off.
   - Simple: A raised area next to train tracks where people get on and off.
   - _The express train pulled in and crowds surged toward the platform._
   - _Buses load at the far platform behind the main terminal building._
3. A raised floor used for any purpose, such as supporting workers during construction or, formerly, holding military cannon.
   - Simple: A raised floor built for a job, such as one for workers at a building site.
   - _Workers assembled a sturdy platform along the wall before plastering began._
   - _The ramparts included a raised platform for the gun crews._
4. An operating system, environment, or type of computer or microprocessor used as a base for running other software.
   - Simple: A type of computer system or software that other programs are built to run on.
   - _The database runs reliably across every major server platform._
   - _Game studios often release titles on several platforms at once._
10. An elevated stage on which speakers address an audience and musicians and others perform.
   - Simple: A raised floor where people stand to give speeches or perform.
   - _She climbed onto the platform and tapped the microphone before speaking._
   - _The orchestra assembled on a temporary platform set up in the park._
5. A place or opportunity that allows someone to express their opinion publicly.
   - Simple: A chance or place to share your opinions with other people.
   - _The interview gave the whistleblower a platform to explain what happened._
   - _Young activists found a platform in the weekly town meetings._
6. Something that gives a business or undertaking the means to advance.
   - Simple: Something that helps a business or project move forward and grow.
   - _The merger created a platform from which the firm expanded overseas._
   - _Early investment provided the platform for years of steady expansion._
7. A political party's declared position on a broad set of issues, each individual position being called a plank.
   - Simple: The set of ideas and promises a political party stands for.
   - _Delegates spent two days debating the wording of the party platform._
   - _Voters complained that the candidate's platform was vague on health care._
8. Short for platform shoe: a shoe with a very thick sole, often with a high heel as well. — Ellipsis of platform shoe (“a kind of high shoe with an extra layer between the inner and outer soles”).
   - Simple: Short for platform shoe: a shoe with a very thick sole.
   - _He wore a glittering platform on each foot for the disco act._
   - _Towering platforms came back into fashion that summer._
9. Short for car platform: a shared set of basic parts and engineering, such as the floor and suspension, on which several vehicle models are built. — Ellipsis of car platform (“a set of components shared by several vehicle models”).
   - Simple: Short for car platform: the shared base parts that several car models are built on.
   - _The new electric platform supports a wide range of vehicle sizes._
   - _Two brands built their SUVs on the same modular platform._
14. A flat expanse of rock, often formed by the erosive action of waves.
   - Simple: A wide, flat area of rock, often shaped by waves over a long time.
   - _Waves had carved a broad platform into the base of the cliff._
   - _Fossils were embedded in the exposed coastal platform._

## Verb

11. To give public visibility to a topic, person, or view by providing a forum for it.
   - Simple: To give a person, idea, or topic a public chance to be seen or heard.
   - _The conference chose to platform researchers whose work rarely reaches a wide audience._
   - _Critics argued the show platformed dangerous ideas without any challenge._
12. To bring a train to a stop alongside a station's boarding area so passengers can get on and off.
   - Simple: To bring a train up beside the spot where people get on and off.
   - _Controllers platform incoming services according to the timetable._
   - _The express was platformed at number four ahead of schedule._
13. To open a film in a small number of theaters before its wider release, in order to build enthusiasm.
   - Simple: To show a film in only a few theaters first, to build excitement before a wider release.
   - _Distributors often platform awards contenders to build momentum before the holidays._
   - _The indie comedy was platformed in three markets before expanding to a thousand screens._

## Noun

15. A plan, sketch, model, or pattern setting out how something is to be made or done. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: A plan, drawing, or model used as a guide for making something.

## Verb

16. To form a plan of something; to model it or lay it out. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To make a plan or model of something, and lay it out.

## Other meanings

- (verb) To set someone or something on a stage, or to treat them as if raised up for display.
- (verb) To fit something with a raised, level surface, or to shape it into a raised, level surface.
- (verb) To include a policy or proposal in a political party's official program of goals.
- (noun) A light deck laid in a section of a ship's hold or over the floor of the magazine.
- (noun) A paved walkway running along the side of a street, intended for pedestrians.

## Origin

The word was taken from Middle French plateforme, literally "a flat form." Its first part, plate ("flat"), came from Old French plat and goes back to Ancient Greek platús ("flat"). Its second part, forme ("form"), came from Latin fōrma ("shape, figure, form").

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/platform (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).