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

Russia's overnight attack on Ukraine included anti-ship missiles, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and more than 200 drones, Ukraine's air force said. — Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026

Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 161 drones -- of which 82 were jet-powered -- and an unspecified number of Banderol cruise missiles into the country overnight. — David Brennan, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Engine targets affordable production Kratos said the propulsion system is being developed for advanced cruise missile systems and attritable strike assets, where lower acquisition and lifecycle costs are important to procurement programs. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

The Financial Times recently reported that Russia is also helping Iran develop supersonic cruise missiles. — Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cruise missile

• abyssal
• dismissal
• epistle
• bristle
• fissile
• gristle
• missal
• nissl
• thistle
• whistle