# platform

/ˈpɫætˌfɔɹm/ (US) · /plˈætfɔːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/platform
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. train station

noun · CEFR A2

the area next to the tracks in a station where you wait for a train.

For teachers: the raised structure alongside railway tracks providing passenger access to trains.

- The train for London will depart from platform four in ten minutes.
- Commuters crowded onto the narrow platform, peering down the tracks for any sign of the delayed morning express.

### 2. raised stage

noun · CEFR B1

a flat, raised surface for people to stand on when giving a speech or performing.

For teachers: a raised flooring or stage used for public speaking, musical performances, or technical work.

- The mayor stepped up onto the platform to address the crowd.
- The temporary wooden platform creaked under the weight of the brass band as they prepared for the opening ceremony.

### 3. computing/internet

noun · CEFR B1

a computer system, operating system, or website that lets other programs or services run.

For teachers: a major piece of software, such as an operating system or an online service, that serves as a foundation for other applications.

- You can download the app on any mobile platform.
- The developers decided to migrate their database to a cloud-based platform to improve global accessibility and reduce server costs.

### 4. opportunity to speak

noun · CEFR B2

a way or place to share your ideas with many people.

For teachers: a metaphorical space or opportunity to express one's opinions or reach a significant audience.

- Winning the award gave her a platform to talk about climate change.
- Social media has provided a global platform for activists who were previously ignored by traditional news outlets.

### 5. political policy

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the set of goals and ideas that a political party promises to follow.

For teachers: the declared policy or set of principles of a political party or candidate.

- The party's platform focuses on improving healthcare and education.
- The candidate's economic platform was built on the promise of significant tax reform and increased infrastructure spending.

### 6. shoes

noun · CEFR B2

shoes with very thick soles that make the wearer taller.

For teachers: a type of footwear featuring a thick sole, often several inches deep, intended to increase the wearer's height.

- She wore silver platforms to the party to match her dress.
- Fashion trends in the 1970s were defined by bold patterns and towering platform boots.

### 7. to give a voice to

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic

to give someone the chance to be heard or seen by many people.

For teachers: to provide someone with an opportunity to express their views or to make a topic visible to the public.

- The festival aims to platform young artists from the local area.
- Critics argued that the university should not platform speakers who promote hate speech under the guise of academic freedom.

## Examples

- The train for London leaves from platform four.
- The politician stood on a small wooden platform to address the crowd gathered in the town square.
- Commuters crowded onto the narrow platform, peering down the tracks for any sign of the delayed morning express.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.