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 incident is similar to Starlink satellite 35956, which also experienced an anomaly in December involving the venting of a propulsion tank and some ejected debris. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026

Ramjet propulsion testing has been completed in supersonic wind tunnels at Bourges, a site known for France’s expertise in this technology. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 14 Apr. 2026

However, the Orion spacecraft experienced issues with helium valves on Orion’s propulsion system, which helps the crew navigate in space. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

For instance, Integrity's propulsion system sprang a helium leak during Artemis 2. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for propulsion

• avulsion
• compulsion
• convulsion
• emulsion
• expulsion
• impulsion
• repulsion
• revulsion
• microemulsion

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