launcher

noun

launch·er ˈlȯn-chər

ˈlän-

Synonyms of launcher

: one that launches: such as

: a device for firing grenades

: a device for launching a missile

: launch vehicle

Examples of launcher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The vehicle is expected to become the primary launcher for future generations of Starlink satellites while also supporting NASA’s Artemis lunar program and, eventually, SpaceX’s long-term ambitions for Mars exploration. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026 China launched one of its most successful rockets Thursday, sending a Long March 3B launcher to orbit with a Tianlian data relay support to link Mission Control with the country’s Tiangong space station. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2026 Tang and co-founder Joe Hollier noted the OS is designed to be less stimulating, from its monochrome appearance to the launcher that simply displays a list of tools rather than expressive app icons. — New Atlas, 22 July 2026 Just before the ceasefire began in April, Tehran still had thousands of drones and roughly half of its missile launchers intact, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with US intelligence. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for launcher

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of launcher was in 1911

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Launcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launcher. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

launcher

noun

Examples of launcher in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on launcher

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

comely

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes