ballistic missile
noun
plural ballistic missiles
: a usually rocket-powered missile that is launched in a high arc under guidance for its ascent but that is unpowered and unguided once it begins its descent compare cruise missile, guided missile
Examples of ballistic missile in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Overnight, Russia launched one ballistic missile and 126 long-range drones at Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian air force.
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Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
Kim said the 600mm rockets – double the size found in most multiple rocket launch systems – are as good as short-range ballistic missiles.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Overnight, Russia launched one ballistic missile and 126 long-range drones at Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian air force.
—Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
But the administration has said the nation’s ballistic missile program and support for terrorist proxies must be included in talks, which Iran has rejected.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 17 Feb. 2026
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Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
Kim said the 600mm rockets – double the size found in most multiple rocket launch systems – are as good as short-range ballistic missiles.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Overnight, Russia launched one ballistic missile and 126 long-range drones at Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian air force.
—Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
But the administration has said the nation’s ballistic missile program and support for terrorist proxies must be included in talks, which Iran has rejected.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ballistic missile
Cite this Entry
“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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