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

Russia's latest bombardment included Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, according to Ukrainian authorities. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

What appear to be intercontinental ballistic missile parts can be seen parked on the tarmac as sections of old rockets sit in lots surrounded by weeds. —Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025

Since then, Kim has advanced his ballistic missile and nuclear programs and gained leverage through a security partnership with Russia that has included sending artillery and troops to aid Moscow in its war on Ukraine. —Stella Kim, NBC news, 4 Nov. 2025

Hypersonic missiles fly faster than the speed of sound, but not as fast as intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMs. —Iain Boyd, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2025

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