/ ˈplætfɔːm; NAmE -fɔːrm/ noun
AT TRAIN STATION
1.
the raised flat area beside the track at a train station where you get on or off the train :
( BrE )
What platform does it go from?
( BrE )
The train now standing at platform 1 is for Leeds.
—compare track
FOR PERFORMERS
2.
a flat surface raised above the level of the ground or floor, used by public speakers or performers so that the audience can see them
SYN rostrum :
Coming onto the platform now is tonight's conductor, Jane Glover.
Representatives of both parties shared a platform (= they spoke at the same meeting) .
RAISED SURFACE
3.
a raised level surface, for example one that equipment stands on or is operated from :
an oil / gas platform
a launch platform (= for spacecraft )
a viewing platform giving stunning views over the valley
POLITICS / OPINIONS
4.
[ usually sing. ] the aims of a political party and the things that they say they will do if they are elected to power :
They are campaigning on an anti-immigration platform.
5.
an opportunity or a place for sb to express their opinions publicly or make progress in a particular area :
She used the newspaper column as a platform for her feminist views.
COMPUTING
6.
the type of computer system or the software that is used :
an IBM platform
a multimedia platform
SHOES
7.
a high thick sole of a shoe :
platform shoes
ON BUS
8.
( BrE ) the open part at the back of a double-decker bus where you get on or off
••
BRITISH / AMERICAN
platform / track
In British stations the platforms, where passengers get on and off trains, have different numbers:
The Edinburgh train is waiting at platform 4.
In stations in the USA, it is the track that the train travels along that has a number:
The train for Chicago is on track 9.
••
WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: from French plateforme ground plan, literally flat shape.