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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This aligns with a ballistic missile profile reaching medium to intercontinental ranges. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025 Iran responded with ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities before the ceasefire brokered on June 24. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 The air force said Russia fired 595 drones and 48 missiles, including two ballistic missiles and powerful cruise missiles. Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025 The sanctions, which will go into effect unless there’s a last-minute deal Friday, will include freezing Iranian assets abroad, halting arms deals with Tehran and penalizing any development of Iran’s ballistic missile program. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on ballistic missile

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