Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - launch pad

(launch pads) 1. A launch pad or launching pad is a platform from which rockets, missiles, or satellites are launched. N-COUNT 2. A launch pad or launching pad is a situation, for example a job, which you can use in order to go forward to something better or more important. Wimbledon has been a launch pad for so many players... = stepping stone N-COUNT