jet propulsion

noun

: propulsion of a body produced by the forwardly directed forces of the reaction resulting from the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid

especially : propulsion of an airplane by jet engines

Examples of jet propulsion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The octopuses collected silt, algae and shells, held the material in their arms and web, then expelled it using jet propulsion from their siphon. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026

Each involved an octopus gathering debris — silt, algae or shells — into its arms and web, then forcefully ejecting the material using jet propulsion from its siphon. —Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2026

It's driven by a 22-kW electric motor with jet propulsion, which basically pushes the vehicle forward by expelling water at high speed instead of using an external propeller. —Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 16 Mar. 2026

This mechanical transformation allows the craft to ditch the drag and engage jet propulsion, pushing it to 450 knots — nearly doubling the speed of conventional vertical-lift aircraft. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for jet propulsion

• avulsion
• compulsion
• convulsion
• emulsion
• expulsion
• impulsion
• repulsion
• revulsion
• microemulsion

Kids Definition

jet propulsion

noun

: forward motion of a body produced by the forces resulting from the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid

especially : propulsion of an airplane by jet engines