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

According to the Qataris, two Iranian ballistic missiles and three drone attacks led to the injury of three people in the Gulf nation. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 May 2026

Its air defenses engaged with two ballistic missiles and three drones launched from Iran, according to the statement. —Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 8 May 2026

Before, Iran posed three threats — development of a nuclear weapon, ballistic missiles and support for terrorism. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

Missiles seen as equal threat Alongside the nuclear issue, Israeli analysts say Iran’s ballistic missile program has become equally central to Israel’s security concerns. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 May 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