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
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Hypersonic missiles offer several advantages over conventional ballistic missiles. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 26 Apr. 2025 Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 145 drones and 70 missiles, including 11 ballistic missiles, in this year's biggest assault on the city. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 In addition to these advances in ballistic missiles, China has also developed a formidable arsenal of cruise missiles. Andrew S. Lim, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 Nor can it be expected to back away from the production of multi-stage ballistic missiles or its support for its regional network of terrorist proxies, neither of which were addressed in the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) despite the GOP’s objections. The Editors, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ballistic missile

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ballistic missile was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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

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