intercontinental

adjective

in·​ter·​con·​ti·​nen·​tal ˌin-tər-ˌkän-tə-ˈnen-tᵊl 

1

: extending among continents or carried on between continents

2

: capable of traveling between continents

intercontinental ballistic missile

Examples of intercontinental in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Russia’s Avangard is another example, using an intercontinental ballistic missile to deliver a strategic glide vehicle designed for nuclear delivery. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026

Washington is building a new intercontinental ballistic missile, strategic bomber, and ballistic missile submarine. — Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

The nuclear spending plan includes building a new intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sentinel, which has already suffered massive cost overruns. — William Hartung, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Davis-Monthan in Tucson was one of three Air Force bases around the country overseeing underground silos that housed the Titan II intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMs. — Rebecca 'becca' Dyer, AZCentral.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for intercontinental

• interdepartmental
• intergovernmental
• intragovernmental
• nonexperimental
• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental
• incidental

Kids Definition

intercontinental

adjective

in·​ter·​con·​ti·​nen·​tal ˌint-ər-ˌkänt-ᵊn-ˈent-ᵊl 

1

: extending among or carried on between continents

intercontinental trade

2

: capable of traveling from one continent to another

an intercontinental ballistic missile