MIRV

1 of 2

noun

: a missile with two or more warheads designed to strike separate enemy targets
also : any of the warheads of such a missile

MIRV

2 of 2

verb

MIRVed; MIRVing

transitive verb

: to equip with MIRV warheads

intransitive verb

: to arm one's forces with MIRVs

Examples of MIRV in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Pakistan has also claimed to have MIRV technology, but experts say the claim is unverified. Brad Lendon, CNN, 14 Sep. 2024 In the coming months, North Korea could also unveil multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) technology, which will allow its missiles to frustrate U.S. missile defenses. Sue Mi Terry, Foreign Affairs, 19 Jan. 2023 India’s announcement of MIRV capability comes as rival China has been expanding its nuclear forces in a similar fashion. Brad Lendon, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

multiple independently targeted reentry vehicle

First Known Use

Noun

1967, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1968, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of MIRV was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near MIRV

Cite this Entry

“MIRV.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/MIRV. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

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