ENGLISH
REFERENCE

launch

v. · n.
US //ˈɫɔntʃ// UK //lˈɔːntʃ// launch
  1. 1 to start a project or product (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to start a new business, project, or to put a new product on sale for the first time.

    to initiate a scheme or project, or to introduce a new product or service to the public market.

    Example

    The company plans to launch its new smartphone early next year.

    Example

    The marketing department is preparing to launch a global campaign to coincide with the release of the sustainable clothing line.
  2. 2 to send into the air or water (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to send a rocket into space or to put a new ship into the water for the first time.

    to propel a vehicle, such as a rocket or missile, into the air, or to set a vessel afloat in the water.

    Example

    NASA will launch the satellite once the weather conditions are perfect.

    Example

    The shipyard workers cheered as the massive hull was finally launched into the harbour after months of construction.
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  1. 3 to open a computer program (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    to start a computer program or an app.

    to execute or bring a software application or feature into operation.

    Example

    You can launch the app by clicking on the icon on your desktop.

    Example

    The system may take a few moments to launch the heavy video editing software due to the limited memory available.
  2. 4 a starting event (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    an event or the act of starting something new.

    the act of initiating a project or the formal event held to celebrate the introduction of a new product.

    Example

    I was invited to the book launch at the local library.

    Example

    The official launch of the charity foundation was attended by several high-profile donors and local politicians.
  3. 5 a type of boat (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Nautical

    a large motorboat used for carrying people over short distances.

    a large, often open, powerboat used for transport between a ship and the shore or for pleasure trips.

    Example

    The captain took the launch from the yacht to the harbour.

    Example

    A small steam launch waited at the jetty to ferry the passengers across the lake to the summer estate.
Etymology 1

From Middle English launchen (“to throw as a lance”), Old French lanchier, another form (Old Northern French/Norman variant, compare Jèrriais lanchi) of lancier, French lancer, from lance.

Etymology 2

From Portuguese lancha (“barge, launch”), apparently from Malay lancar (“quick, agile”). Spelling influenced by the verb above.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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