Launch vs. Lunch: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on August 6, 2024
"Launch" refers to the act of starting or propelling something, while "lunch" is a midday meal.
Key Differences
"Launch" is a versatile word in the English language. It can denote the act of setting something, like a ship or a product, into motion or public awareness. For instance, when a company introduces a new product to the market, it "launches" that product, hoping it will successfully engage customers. "Lunch", on the other hand, is straightforward in its meaning. It refers to the meal typically consumed in the middle of the day. In many cultures and workplaces, taking a "lunch" break is a daily practice, giving individuals a moment of respite and nourishment during their busy schedules.
Another use of "launch" is in the context of propelling or sending off with force. For example, space agencies "launch" rockets into space. The primary implication is the initiation of a journey or the beginning of an endeavor, emphasizing the motion and forward momentum.
Contrastingly, "lunch" also carries social connotations. Beyond just a meal, a "lunch" can be an event or gathering where business or personal matters are discussed. Inviting someone for "lunch" can be casual, or it might signal a more formal meeting or date.
In summation, while "launch" emphasizes beginnings, introductions, and motion, "lunch" centers around nourishment, breaks, and social interactions.
Comparison Chart
Grammatical Form
Verb (to launch) and Noun (a launch)
Noun
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Typical Usage
Starting or propelling something
Referring to a midday meal
Contextual Application
Business, space exploration, introductions
Meals, social gatherings, breaks
Nature
Action or event
A meal or gathering around a meal
Etymological Origin
Derived from "lance", implying a forward motion
Old English "luncheon", related to "nuncheon", a snack
Launch and Lunch Definitions
Launch
The act or an instance of starting something.
The launch of the new product was a success.
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Lunch
A formal or informal gathering where food is eaten.
We have a business lunch scheduled with the client.
Launch
To introduce to the public or market.
The company will launch its new software next month.
Lunch
A midday meal.
I had a sandwich and fruit for lunch.
Launch
To throw or propel with force; hurl
Launch a spear.
Lunch
A break in the middle of the day for eating.
He takes his lunch at noon.
Launch
To set or thrust (a self-propelled craft or projectile) in motion
Launch a rocket.
Launch a torpedo.
Lunch
The food items prepared for midday consumption.
I packed my lunch in a brown bag today.
Launch
(Nautical) To put (a boat) into the water in readiness for use.
Lunch
A meal eaten at midday.
Launch
To set going; initiate
Launch a career.
Launch a business venture.
Lunch
The food provided for a midday meal.
Launch
To introduce to the public or to a market
Launched the new perfume with prime-time commercials on the major networks.
Lunch
To eat a midday meal.
Launch
To give (someone) a start, as in a career or vocation.
Lunch
A light meal usually eaten around midday, notably when not as main meal of the day.
Launch
To begin a new venture or phase; embark
Launch forth on a dangerous mission.
Launched out on her own after college.
Lunch
(cricket) A break in play between the first and second sessions.
Launch
To enter enthusiastically into something; plunge
Launched into a description of the movie.
Lunch
Any small meal, especially one eaten at a social gathering.
After the funeral there was a lunch for those who didn't go to the cemetery.
Launch
The act of launching.
Lunch
(intransitive) To eat lunch.
I like to lunch in Italian restaurants.
Launch
A large ship's boat.
Lunch
(transitive) To treat to lunch.
Launch
A large, open motorboat.
Lunch
A luncheon; specifically, a light repast between breakfast and dinner, most commonly about noontime.
Launch
(transitive) To throw (a projectile such as a lance, dart or ball); to hurl; to propel with force.
Lunch
To take luncheon.
Launch
To pierce with, or as with, a lance.
Lunch
A midday meal
Launch
(transitive) To cause (a vessel) to move or slide from the land or a larger vessel into the water; to set afloat.
The navy launched another ship.
Lunch
Take the midday meal;
At what time are you lunching?
Launch
(transitive) To cause (a rocket, balloon, etc., or the payload thereof) to begin its flight upward from the ground.
NASA launched several unmanned rockets before launching any of the Mercury astronauts.
Lunch
Provide a midday meal for;
She lunched us well
Launch
(transitive) To send out; to start (someone) on a mission or project; to give a start to (something); to put in operation
Our business launched a new project.
Lunch
A light meal or snack.
I just want a quick lunch, nothing heavy.
Launch
To start (a program or feature); to execute or bring into operation.
Double-click an icon to launch the associated application.
Launch
(transitive) To release; to put onto the market for sale
Launch
(intransitive) Of a ship, rocket, balloon, etc.: to depart on a voyage; to take off.
Launch
To move with force and swiftness like a sliding from the stocks into the water; to plunge; to begin.
To launch into an argument or discussion
To launch into lavish expenditures
Launch
To start to operate.
After clicking the icon, the application will launch.
Launch
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.)
Launch
The act or fact of launching (a ship/vessel, a project, a new book, etc.).
Launch
An event held to celebrate the launch of a ship/vessel, project, a new book, etc.; a launch party.
Product launch
Book launch
Launch
(nautical) 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".
Launch
(nautical) A boat used to convey guests to and from a yacht.
Launch
(nautical) An open boat of any size powered by steam, petrol, electricity, etc.
Launch
To throw, as a lance or dart; to hurl; to let fly.
Launch
To strike with, or as with, a lance; to pierce.
Launch your hearts with lamentable wounds.
Launch
To cause to move or slide from the land into the water; to set afloat; as, to launch a ship.
With stays and cordage last he rigged the ship,And rolled on levers, launched her in the deep.
Launch
To send out; to start (one) on a career; to set going; to give a start to (something); to put in operation; as, to launch a son in the world; to launch a business project or enterprise.
All art is used to sink episcopacy, and launch presbytery in England.
Launch
To move with force and swiftness like a sliding from the stocks into the water; to plunge; to make a beginning; as, to launch into the current of a stream; to launch into an argument or discussion; to launch into lavish expenditures; - often with out.
Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
He [Spenser] launches out into very flowery paths.
Launch
The act of launching.
Launch
The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built.
Launch
The boat of the largest size belonging to a ship of war; also, an open boat of any size driven by steam, naphtha, electricity, or the like.
Launch
A motorboat with an open deck or a half deck
Launch
The act of propelling with force
Launch
Set up or found;
She set up a literacy program
Launch
Propel with force;
Launch the space shuttle
Launch a ship
Launch
Launch for the first time; launch on a maiden voyage;
Launch a ship
Launch
Begin with vigor;
He launched into a long diatribe
She plunged into a dangerous adventure
Launch
Get going; give impetus to;
Launch a career
Her actions set in motion a complicated judicial process
Launch
Smoothen the surface of;
Float plaster
Launch
To set in motion or initiate.
They plan to launch a new advertising campaign.
Launch
To propel with force.
The agency will launch the rocket at dawn.
Launch
A boat used to transport people to and from a ship.
The passengers boarded the launch to reach the cruise ship.
FAQs
What does "launch" generally imply in business?
In business, "launch" often refers to the introduction of a new product or service.
Can "launch" refer to the beginning of an event?
Yes, the start of an event can be termed its "launch."
Is "lunch" limited to specific food items?
No, "lunch" can consist of various foods; it's more about timing than the meal's content.
What does it mean to "launch" a website?
It means to make a website live or available to the public.
How is "launch" related to space exploration?
In space exploration, "launch" refers to the act of sending a spacecraft or satellite into space.
Is "lunch" typically the main meal of the day?
In many Western cultures, "lunch" is a significant but not usually the primary meal, which is often dinner.
How is "launch" used in the context of boats?
A "launch" can refer to a boat used to transport people to a larger vessel.
Can "lunch" also refer to a late afternoon meal?
Typically, "lunch" refers to a midday meal, while a late afternoon meal might be called a snack or early dinner.
Can "lunch" be used as a verb?
Yes, "to lunch" can mean to eat or have lunch, as in "We lunched at the cafe."
Is a "lunch break" common in workplaces?
Yes, many workplaces have a designated "lunch break" for employees.
How does a "product launch" benefit companies?
A successful "product launch" introduces and promotes a product, potentially boosting sales and brand awareness.
Can "lunch" be a formal event?
Yes, "lunch" can be a formal gathering or event, especially in business or social contexts.
Is "pre-launch" a phase before the actual "launch"?
Yes, "pre-launch" refers to preparations or activities leading up to an official launch.
Can "lunch" be used in a figurative sense?
Rarely, but "lunch" is primarily used in the context of a meal.
What is a "working lunch"?
A "working lunch" is a lunch during which business or work discussions take place.
What does "soft launch" mean?
A "soft launch" is an unofficial release of a product or service to a limited audience before a full launch.
Can "launch" signify the start of a journey?
Yes, "launch" can symbolize the beginning of an endeavor or journey.
Is "lunch" the same in all cultures?
While many cultures have a midday meal, the content, significance, and timing of "lunch" can vary.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
