launch

Everyday

1. To launch is to send a rocket, missile or spacecraft up into the air or space. tree →
2. To launch a boat is to put it into the water. tree →
3. To launch something new is to start it or make it available to the public (launch a book, a product, a website). tree →
4. A launch is the act of launching. tree →
5. A launch is also a large motorboat. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, rockets are launched using powerful engines; pupils launch water or paper rockets and measure how far they travel. In everyday life, companies launch new games and phones; schools launch projects and campaigns. In computing, to launch an app means to open it. Phrases: launch a rocket, launch pad, product launch, launch an attack, launch into a story.

Examples

• The rocket was launched into space. tree →
• We launched our model boat on the pond. tree →
• The company will launch a new game soon. tree →
• Our school is launching a recycling project. tree →
• The spacecraft sits on the launch pad. tree →
• Tap the icon to launch the app. tree →
• Grandpa launched into a long story about the war. tree →
• At a sign from the king it was launched, and floated proudly and safely like a bird on the waves. tree →

Note

Regular verb: launched, launching. Plural noun: launches. «Launch into» something means start it with energy. In maths problems about rockets, «launched» is the start time; height then changes over time.