launch vehicle

noun

: a rocket used to launch a satellite or spacecraft

Examples of launch vehicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Solid rocket motors are used for a wide range of applications, from tactical missiles to space launch vehicles. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026 Days after Blue Origin completed an investigation into the last failure of its New Glenn rocket, something else went very, very wrong with the towering launch vehicle. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 29 May 2026 The launch vehicle that propelled the Orion spacecraft was designed and built by United Launch Alliance in Centennial in partnership with Boeing. Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 28 May 2026 New Glenn is a heavy-lift, partially reusable two-stage launch vehicle developed by Blue Origin to support commercial satellite constellations, national security launches, and civil spaceflight programs, including NASA’s Artemis lunar initiative. David Szondy may 28, New Atlas, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for launch vehicle

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of launch vehicle was circa 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Launch vehicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launch%20vehicle. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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