launcher

noun launch·er \ ˈlȯn-chər , ˈlän- \

Updated on: 9 Nov 2017

Definition of launcher

:one that launches: such as

a :a device for firing grenades

b :a device for launching a missile

c :launch vehicle

Recent Examples of launcher from the Web

Pyongyang will fire short-range ballistic missiles and multiple rocket launchers near simultaneously to destroy these few dozen high-value defense infrastructure targets.

— chicagotribune.com, "A sneak peak at America's war plans for North Korea," 8 Sep. 2017
These mobile launchers are fitted onto large trucks that roam the countryside, making them difficult for enemies to target and destroy, but the very nature of such a decentralized force also means a localized response to any problems.

— michael auslin, The Atlantic, "Trump Should Help North Korea Keep Its Nukes Safe," 5 Nov. 2017
Features: Corn and bale mazes, farm animals, pedal tractor driving, calf roping, pumpkin launchers and pony rides.

— OregonLive.com, "Last-chance Halloween weekend, plus where to trick-or-treat around Portland.," 26 Oct. 2017
In 2015, President Barack Obama limited local law enforcement’s access to military-grade surplus equipment, including grenade launchers, armored vehicles and bayonets, according to the New York Times.

— terrell jermaine starr, The Root, "5 Ways Trump’s UN Speech Proves He’s the World’s White-Supremacist-in-Chief," 19 Sep. 2017
Google added bounce scrolling to the launcher, and folder opening has a new animation.

— ron amadeo, Ars Technica, "Pixel 2 and 2 XL review—The best Android phone you can buy," 17 Oct. 2017
Amid the rising tension, South Korea installed the four remaining launchers of a U.S. anti-missile Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on a former golf course south of its capital, Seoul, early on Thursday.

— reuters, Fortune, "China Is Backing More UN Sanctions Against North Korea After Its Latest Nuke Test," 7 Sep. 2017
In the Kent State University laboratory for experimental archaeology, the Spot Hogg Hooter Shooter, an automatic bow launcher, fires arrows filmed by high-speed cameras.

— bridget alex, Discover Magazine, "Ancient Weaponry, Reloaded," 16 Oct. 2017
Known as High Altitude Long Endurance Boost Phase Intercept (or HALE BPI), this system would offer another option besides acquiescence or a high-risk first strike against North Korean missile launchers.

— stephen meyer, National Review, "No Good Options in North Korea?," 18 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'launcher.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.