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
Western officials have also accused Tehran of providing ballistic missiles to Russia, allegations Iran continues to deny.
—
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
At the start of October last year, Iran launched more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in response to those deaths.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 21 May 2025
The launch of the unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) took place on Wednesday (May 21) at 3:01 a.m.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 21 May 2025
China increased its deployment of short-range ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan sevenfold from the beginning of Chen’s term in 2000 to early 2008.
—Bonny Lin, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 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.
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
At the start of October last year, Iran launched more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in response to those deaths.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 21 May 2025
The launch of the unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) took place on Wednesday (May 21) at 3:01 a.m.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 21 May 2025
China increased its deployment of short-range ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan sevenfold from the beginning of Chen’s term in 2000 to early 2008.
—Bonny Lin, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 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 30 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share