launch
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to start a new business, project, or to put a new product on sale for the first time.
v.to initiate a scheme or project, or to introduce a new product or service to the public market.
Simple“The company plans to launch its new smartphone early next year.”
In context“The marketing department is preparing to launch a global campaign to coincide with the release of the sustainable clothing line.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
v.to send a rocket into space or to put a new ship into the water for the first time.
v.to propel a vehicle, such as a rocket or missile, into the air, or to set a vessel afloat in the water.
Simple“NASA will launch the satellite once the weather conditions are perfect.”
In context“The shipyard workers cheered as the massive hull was finally launched into the harbour after months of construction.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
v.to start a computer program or an app.
v.to execute or bring a software application or feature into operation.
Simple“You can launch the app by clicking on the icon on your desktop.”
In context“The system may take a few moments to launch the heavy video editing software due to the limited memory available.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
n.an event or the act of starting something new.
n.the act of initiating a project or the formal event held to celebrate the introduction of a new product.
Simple“I was invited to the book launch at the local library.”
In context“The official launch of the charity foundation was attended by several high-profile donors and local politicians.”
Synonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
n.a large motorboat used for carrying people over short distances.
n.a large, often open, powerboat used for transport between a ship and the shore or for pleasure trips.
Simple“The captain took the launch from the yacht to the harbour.”
In context“A small steam launch waited at the jetty to ferry the passengers across the lake to the summer estate.”
Synonymsmotorboattender
Usage launch a new · launch site · launched an investigation
“In normal or low-activity times, the Sun launches two to three CMEs a day.”
“In a few weeks, she will launch an 86-date world tour that includes a 10-night run at the nearby Barclays Center and concludes in May with 11 shows at London’s O2.”
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.
From Portuguese lancha (“barge, launch”), apparently from Malay lancar (“quick, agile”). Spelling influenced by the verb above.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.