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launcher

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

noun

  1. a person or thing that launches. launch.

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

launcher British  
/ ˈlɔːntʃə /

noun

  1. 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.

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

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Made by US company Lockheed Martin, the anti-missile system includes six mounted launchers, with eight interceptors on each launcher, and a radar system for detection.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.