cruise missile

noun

: a guided missile that has a terrain-following radar system and that flies at moderate speed and low altitude

Examples of cruise missile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Kazan is said to be a state-of-the-art submarine, part of a new class of vessels intended to replace Russia’s aging Soviet-era nuclear submarines, that are capable of carrying and firing nuclear cruise missiles. Michael Wilner, Miami Herald, 6 June 2024 In fact, most of the major weapons systems deployed by the Reagan administration had actually been approved by Carter: the stealth bomber, the MX mobile missile, and modern cruise missiles among them. Stuart E. Eisenstat, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2024 Tehran is alleged to have hurled toward Israel no fewer than 150 missiles (including 30 cruise missiles) and 170 drones carrying explosives, a level of ordinance that could have been devastating. Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 15 Apr. 2024 On March 18, reports noted that the Israel Defense Forces confirmed a Houthi cruise missile had infiltrated Israel, landing near Eilat. Beth Bailey, Fox News, 25 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for cruise missile 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cruise missile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cruise missile was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near cruise missile

Cite this Entry

“Cruise missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruise%20missile. Accessed 18 Jun. 2024.

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