n.
- a raised level surface on which people or things can stand.
▸a raised structure along the side of a railway track where passengers get on and off trains.
▸a raised floor or stage used by public speakers or performers.
▸a raised structure standing in the sea from which oil or gas wells can be drilled.
- the declared policy of a political party or group.
▸an opportunity to voice one's views:
a platform for discussion.
-
[usu. as modifier]
a very thick sole on a shoe:
platform shoes.
- Computing a standard for the hardware of a computer system, which determines the kinds of software it can run.
Etymology
C16: from Fr. plateforme ‘ground plan’, lit. ‘flat shape’.