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 Air Force originally hoped the existing silos that have housed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles could be adapted to launch Sentinel missiles, which would be more efficient than digging entirely new silos. —ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025

The road-mobile ballistic missile system appeared to be modeled after Russia's Iskander. —John Feng shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

Tens of thousands of patriotic Russians are expected to line the streets, applauding as tanks and intercontinental ballistic missile launchers rumble past. —Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 8 May 2025

On May 4, the Houthis fired a ballistic missile into Israel that landed near Ben Gurion Airport. —Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 7 May 2025

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