escape velocity

noun

: the minimum velocity that a moving body (such as a rocket) must have to escape from the gravitational field of a celestial body (such as the earth) and move outward into space

Examples of escape velocity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Whittemore, in aid of explaining Pitman’s writing, uses a concept called self-sustaining escape velocity as an alternative. —John Werner, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

And if our rate of self-improvement is fast enough, then our model improvement process will reach a point of escape velocity where improvements are not just linear or additive, but exponentially compounding. —John Werner, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Gallagher points to escape velocity to understand the mechanics of a black hole. —Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025

One way to boost particles above the escape velocity is through sunlight, which warms atmospheres and increases the odds that a few speedsters will break free. —Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for escape velocity

• heterozygosity
• animosity
• curiosity
• generosity
• grandiosity
• nebulosity
• reciprocity
• tortuosity
• tuberosity
• virtuosity
• atrocity
• ferocity

Kids Definition

escape velocity

noun

: the lowest velocity that a moving body (as a rocket) must have to escape from the field of gravity of the earth or of a heavenly body and move outward into space