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 mission is designed to be a technology demonstration of the Blue Moon Mark 1 cargo lander design, including precision landing systems and propulsion tech that will support later commercial and NASA payload deliveries to the lunar surface, with a capacity of up to 6,600 pounds (3,000 kilograms). —Andrew Jones, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026

The partnership between the two companies looks to further pursue propulsion technologies, including nuclear propulsion, which will be needed for future exploration missions to Mars, the release stated. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026

The technology can also help develop next-generation propulsion systems for UAVs and space exploration. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Jan. 2026

During a crash, the vehicle can automatically turn off its propulsion system. —Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Dec. 2025

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