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

As competitors resolve technical issues and new entrants pursue next-generation propulsion technologies, GE faces mounting pressure to invest heavily in R & D while maintaining its recent well-above-average margins. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025

The document also includes numerous mentions of setting up an expansive program to pursue nuclear electric propulsion — which involves powering spacecraft engines with electricity from small nuclear reactors. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025

Nonetheless, the thermodynamic principles described (bypass combustion and 3-stream mixing) are credible and align with global propulsion research trends. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025

The Revuelto proved that, even in the face of a future where electric propulsion can put racecar-like acceleration in the hands of the masses, there’s still a path to putting out ridiculous power that feels special. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 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