ballistic missile

noun

plural ballistic missiles
: a usually rocket-powered missile that is launched in a high arc under guidance for its ascent but that is unpowered and unguided once it begins its descent compare cruise missile, guided missile

Examples of ballistic missile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The weapon can protect ships against ballistic missiles in their final phase of flight. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025 The sanctions, which will go into effect unless there’s a last-minute deal Friday, will include freezing Iranian assets abroad, halting arms deals with Tehran and penalizing any development of Iran’s ballistic missile program. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025 North Korea has made significant advances in its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in the absence of talks. Stella Kim, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2025 According to the report, one of the Russian vessels was a Borei-class ballistic missile submarine powered by nuclear propulsion, marking the first time the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has spotted this type of Russian submarine near Japanese territory. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ballistic missile

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ballistic missile was in 1950

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

ballistic missile

noun
: a missile that moves under its own power, is guided as it rises in a steeply curving path, and falls freely on the way back to earth

More from Merriam-Webster on ballistic missile

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!