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

Zelensky has previously stressed said that an acute shortage of air defense interceptors has left Ukraine vulnerable to ballistic missile attacks. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Russia launched ballistic missiles from its Rostov and Voronezh regions and deployed 167 attack drones overnight, Ukraine’s air force said. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026

The investigation comes after media outlets reported on classified information about how the war in Iran has created a shortage of key munitions, including Patriot missile interceptors and the THAAD anti-ballistic missile system. — Miles J. Herszenhorn, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

The United States lacks sufficient numbers of air defense systems and interceptors to protect against ballistic missiles. — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ballistic missile

• abyssal
• dismissal
• epistle
• bristle
• fissile
• gristle
• missal
• nissl
• thistle
• whistle

Kids Definition

ballistic missile

noun

: a missile that moves under its own power, is guided as it rises in a steeply curving path, and falls freely on the way back to earth