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

On Thursday, Saudi Arabia said its defenses intercepted six ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis towards Taif, a manufacturing center, and Yanbu, a port on the Red Sea. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Conventional ballistic missiles also reach hypersonic speeds during parts of their flight. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026

Iran used sophisticated ballistic missiles with multiple-projectile warheads against Jordan. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 25 Sep. 2026

Saudi armed forces intercepted six ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis at the cities of Yanbu and Taif, a military spokesperson said. — Spencer Kimball,justina Lee, CNBC, 24 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