projectile

1 of 2

noun

pro·​jec·​tile prə-ˈjek-tᵊl  -ˌtī(-ə)l 

chiefly British ˈprä-jik-ˌtī(-ə)l

1

: a body projected by external force and continuing in motion by its own inertia

especially : a missile for a weapon (such as a firearm)

2

: a self-propelling weapon (such as a rocket)

projectile

2 of 2

adjective

1

: projecting or impelling forward

a projectile force

2

: capable of being thrust forward

Examples of projectile in a Sentence

Noun

The cannon fires a ten-pound projectile.

Someone threw a projectile at her car.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Iran has responded by launching thousands of projectiles at cities across neighboring Arab states, shattering the stability the region had long. —Becky Anderson, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026

The lawsuits argue that federal officers' use of chemical and projectile munitions has violated the rights of protesters and residents. —ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Many local police have more stringent requirements, including Washington, DC, where officers are instructed not to use projectile launchers, including pepper balls, within six feet of targets. —Bob Ortega, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026

Survivor 49 kicked off Wednesday night with two-hour premiere filled with projectile vomit, blatant puzzle copying, and a new bromance for the ages. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing projectile

• projectile vomiting

Rhymes for projectile

• erectile
• anorectal
• colorectal
• dialectal
• rectal

Kids Definition

projectile

noun

pro·​jec·​tile

prə-ˈjek-tᵊl

: something (as a bullet or rocket) thrown or driven forward especially from or for use as a weapon