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.

North Korea first unveiled the launcher at a military parade last year.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Another photo shows Kim standing next to a mobile launcher flanked by military officials.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

After launch, engineers carried out a thorough review of the launch pad and mobile launcher systems.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Musk and SpaceX also aim to develop a city on the moon, along with factories and a satellite launcher.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Here the rooftops are too fragile for my air rope launcher.

From "Legend" by Marie Lu

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