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
Hypersonic missiles offer several advantages over conventional ballistic missiles.
—
Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 26 Apr. 2025
Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 145 drones and 70 missiles, including 11 ballistic missiles, in this year's biggest assault on the city.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
In addition to these advances in ballistic missiles, China has also developed a formidable arsenal of cruise missiles.
—Andrew S. Lim, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Nor can it be expected to back away from the production of multi-stage ballistic missiles or its support for its regional network of terrorist proxies, neither of which were addressed in the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) despite the GOP’s objections.
—The Editors, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ballistic missile
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 26 Apr. 2025
Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 145 drones and 70 missiles, including 11 ballistic missiles, in this year's biggest assault on the city.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
In addition to these advances in ballistic missiles, China has also developed a formidable arsenal of cruise missiles.
—Andrew S. Lim, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Nor can it be expected to back away from the production of multi-stage ballistic missiles or its support for its regional network of terrorist proxies, neither of which were addressed in the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) despite the GOP’s objections.
—The Editors, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ballistic missile
Cite this Entry
“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share