English Reference

Word

launching

Phoneticslaunch·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈɫɔntʃɪŋ/

UK/lˈɔːntʃɪŋ/

Definitions

01starting a project or product

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the act of starting a new business, product, or event for the first time.

n. the formal initiation or introduction of a new product, service, or venture to the public.

“The launching of the new smartphone attracted thousands of tech fans.”

“The successful launching of the regional marketing campaign resulted in a significant uptick in brand engagement across all digital platforms.”

02sending a rocket or ship

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science

n. the act of sending a rocket into the sky or putting a new ship into the water.

n. the physical act of propelling a vehicle into the atmosphere or onto the water for the first time.

“Crowds gathered at the coast to watch the launching of the giant ship.”

“The precise launching of the satellite required perfect weather conditions and a series of complex mechanical checks.”

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“There are reasons to take up standup, and then there’s Daran “Jonno” Johnson launching this new career aged 38 as a form of exposure therapy for anxiety.”
The Guardian 16 Aug 2026
“He said Russia was launching its own version of the Starlink satellite network, called Rassvet, ahead of schedule, with 16 satellites now up and a planned increase to 292 in 2027.”
Al Jazeera 14 Aug 2026

Word family

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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