launch vehicle

noun

: a rocket used to launch a satellite or spacecraft

Examples of launch vehicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Beijing has also pressed ahead with reusable launch vehicle tests (though its most recent landing attempts were unsuccessful) reinforcing a development cadence that looks increasingly steady as Artemis faces schedule pressure. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2026 Now, the aerospace company — which specializes in rockets, satellites, space transportation, and reusable launch vehicles — is EWIT’s largest holding, making up about 16% of the trust’s overall portfolio. Hugh Leask, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2025 The idea of using linear electromagnetic systems to launch vehicles has been studied for decades, but the new test shows levels of control and acceleration that bring practical applications closer. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025 Hans Koenigsmann is a German-American aerospace engineer known for his efforts in developing reusable spacecraft and launch vehicles. Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for launch vehicle

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of launch vehicle was circa 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Launch vehicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launch%20vehicle. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

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