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
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Russia targets Ukraine’s civilian gas stations Russia launched a ballistic missile and 90 long-range drones at Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian air force said. Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 The system is built to destroy ballistic missiles in their final phase of flight and has been used in several areas where missile threats are a worry. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026 Naval capabilities were also a key focus when Kim outlined his five-year military goals at February’s Workers’ Party congress, which included calls for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of underwater launches. ABC News, 23 June 2026 Trump signed a 14-point MOU with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian last week, which provides 60 more days for more negotiations regarding Tehran’s nuclear program, its ballistic missile development, and its use of proxies and terrorism networks to create regional security instability. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 23 June 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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

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