propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: the action or process of propelling

2

: something that propels

Examples of propulsion in a Sentence

Sailboats use wind as their source of propulsion.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Atlas 5 dropped the Starliner off with a velocity just shy of what's required to reach orbit, a precaution to make sure the crew ship would re-enter and land safely even if a major problem knocked out its own propulsion system. —William Harwood, CBS News, 5 June 2024

Most recently, leaks of helium near the craft’s propulsion system have caused delays. —Melvin Backman, Quartz, 5 June 2024

While working to address the problem, a helium leak in the Starliner capsule’s propulsion system was discovered, NASA reported. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024

Additional launch dates were missed last month after a helium leak was found in the Starliner’s propulsion system, which maneuvers the capsule. —Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin prōpulsiōn-, prōpulsiō "action of driving out or urging on," derivative, with the suffix of verbal action -tiōn-, -tiō, of Latin propellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward" (with -s- from past participle and verbal noun prōpulsus) — more at propel

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing propulsion

• jet propulsion
• self-propulsion

Kids Definition

propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: the action or process of propelling

2

: something that propels

propulsive

-ˈpəl-siv

adjective