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 The Fateh ballistic missiles could also be unleashed in salvos, experts say, raising other critical questions about Israel’s level of preparation. Samuel Granados, Washington Post, 10 July 2024 Time will be devoted to the sticky issue of meeting NATO members’ 2014 pledge to spend at least 2 percent of GDP on defense, as well as to combating terrorism, nuclear nonproliferation, ballistic missile defense, and climate change — and of course the war in Ukraine. Arthur Herman, National Review, 9 July 2024 Yoon gave transfers of weapons and military technology as examples of areas Seoul will be watching. ' stocks of artillery munitions and ballistic missiles. Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 9 July 2024 Such actions would force the conflict further up the escalation ladder, compelling a now much more capable Hezbollah to rain its ballistic missiles on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv. Firas Maksad, TIME, 22 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for ballistic missile 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ballistic missile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near ballistic missile

Cite this Entry

“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

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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