launcher

[lawn-cher, lahn-]

noun

1. a person or thing that launches. launch.

2. a structural device designed to support and hold a missile in position for firing.

ˈlauncher

/ ˈlɔːntʃə /

noun

1. any installation, vehicle, or other device for launching rockets, missiles, or other projectiles

Word History and Origins

Origin of launcher¹

First recorded in 1815–25; launch ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The use of so-called less-lethal projectile launchers and other weapons designed to subdue rather than kill has come under renewed scrutiny after police turned to them often during recent protests against federal immigration enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times

UCLA, which has a significant weapons inventory compared to other campuses — among it 39,500 rifle rounds and ammo — made relatively few requests, including four new pepper-ball launchers and 100 sponge foam rounds.

From Los Angeles Times

Almost anything seen on the frontline - from small radars and grenade launchers to jeeps, trucks, tanks and actual soldiers - may be fake.

From BBC

On an issue of particular concern to Mexico — the southbound traffic of arms, including assault weapons, grenade launchers, mines and other military-grade weapons — Rubio said U.S. authorities were determined to “put a stop to it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Thailand is especially aggrieved by the sudden use of multiple rocket launchers on Thursday that caused most of the civilian casualties, and dramatically escalated what until then had been small-scale skirmishes between their soldiers.

From BBC