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launcher

American

[lawn-cher, lahn-] / ˈlɔn tʃər, ˈlɑn- /

noun

a person or thing that launches.
a structural device designed to support and hold a missile in position for firing.

launcher British

/ ˈlɔːntʃə /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of launcher

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The mobile launcher has since been moved back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, where it will undergo repairs and preparations for future missions.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

As evidence, it cited a February 2024 post from the IDF's Arabic spokesman, which included photos that he said showed Wishah operating weapons, including a rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The rocket launcher and satellite maker is planning a public listing that’s expected to break records.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

At a base near Isfahan, a satellite on March 1 captured a photo of an undamaged missile launcher, apparently moving down the road near the facility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

A few times I’m forced to aim the launcher lower than the roof, and then shimmy my way to the top once I get to that side.

From "Legend" by Marie Lu

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023