soft launch

/sɑft lɔnʧ/

Other forms: soft launches

A soft launch is like a test run or partial introduction of something before a full rollout. A business might soft launch a new product, or a friend might soft launch a new romantic partner on social media.

In business, a soft launch is the limited release of a product to a select audience. The opposite is a hard launch: an official, promoted release to the public. Soft launches are used to identify issues, gather feedback, and gauge customer interest. The term migrated into the social media world as slang for gradually revealing that you're dating someone — for example, by posting a partial or indirect photo that hints at a new boyfriend without fully introducing him.

Definitions of soft launch

1. verb

   (slang) provide a hint about one's new romantic relationship, especially on social media
2. noun

   (slang) a hint about one's new romantic relationship, especially on social media, such as by posting a photo of the person without showing their face
3. noun

   (aeronautics) a method of ejecting a rocket so that its engine only starts burning when it has left the launch tube
4. verb

   gradually release something, such as a product, service, or website, in stages, especially to a small audience
5. noun

   a gradual release of something, such as a product, service, or website, in stages, especially to a small audience