cruise missile

noun

: a guided missile that has a terrain-following radar system and that flies at moderate speed and low altitude

Examples of cruise missile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In 2024, Poland said a Russian cruise missile entered its airspace for 39 seconds, and the next year Estonia said three Russian MiG-31 fighter planes crossed over into its territory for around four minutes. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 29 May 2026 If capture proved impossible or the objective shifted, the operation could rely instead on stand-off weapons such as Tomahawk cruise missiles or stealth aircraft targeting command centers, bunkers or military nodes. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026 Such an array could see the Cheongung-II focused on combating advanced threats like high-altitude drones, fighter jets, and ballistic and cruise missiles, all of which have crossed through Iraqi airspace in the recent Iran wars. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 The weapons systems are Tomahawk cruise missiles, which are used to strike targets deep inside enemy territory, and Patriot and THAAD interceptors that defend against incoming missiles and drones. ABC News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cruise missile

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cruise missile was in 1959

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Cite this Entry

“Cruise missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruise%20missile. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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