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

In the decades after World War II, most key innovations developed by government contractors—ballistic missiles, nuclear weapons, and stealth technology—had no commercial market. — David S. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026

American forces faced ballistic missiles, drones and what witnesses described as Iranian F-5 fighter jets. — Jonah Kaplan, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

But observers expect the participation would be limited to protecting Saudi Arabia’s borders from ground assault by the Houthis or providing air-defense equipment against ballistic missiles and drones. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

The Houthis have fired ballistic missiles and drones at multiple targets in Saudi Arabia since late July, including industrial and energy infrastructure. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 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