a motorboat with an open deck or a half deck
"The captain ordered us to launch the small boat from the stern so we could quickly reach the shore before sunset."
The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built. (Compare: to splash a ship.)
"The admiral stepped onto his flagship's main deck to greet the visiting dignitaries in his official captain's launch."
The boat of the largest size and/or of most importance belonging to a ship of war, and often called the "captain's boat" or "captain's launch".
In plain English: A launch is the official start of something new, like a product being sold for the first time.
"The launch of the new smartphone attracted huge crowds at the store opening."
Usage: In modern usage, "launch" as a noun refers to the act of starting a project, product, or career rather than a specific type of boat. You should use it to describe the initial release or introduction of something new, such as a software update or a business venture.
get going; give impetus to
"launch a career"
"Her actions set in motion a complicated judicial process"
To throw (a projectile such as a lance, dart or ball); to hurl; to propel with force.
"The archer drew back his bowstring and launched the arrow straight toward the target."
In plain English: To launch something means to send it off into action or space.
"The company plans to launch its new product next month."
Usage: Launch means to send something off into space or water, like a rocket or a ship. It can also describe starting a project or product, but avoid using it for throwing physical objects by hand.
The word "launch" comes from the Middle English verb meaning "to throw as a lance." It traces its roots back to Old French and ultimately derives from the word for a spear.