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

Attack boats like the Hampton might collect intelligence on enemy warships or eavesdrop on unfriendly governments, while much larger ballistic missile submarines stay submerged for 90 days at a time, carrying enough nuclear warheads to destroy entire countries. —Kenny Holston, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2024

Iran targeted Israel with hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles in the first direct attack on the Jewish nation by a sovereign state since 1991. —Detroit Free Press, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

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