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.
The alleged lack of transparency, the filing argues, hurt stockholders when issues with its Alpha launch vehicle and the market came to light. Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026 The trade-off is lower power density and higher operating temperature, but for grid applications that cycle daily rather than launch vehicles or power phones, that trade-off makes sense. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026 Beijing has also pressed ahead with reusable launch vehicle tests (though its most recent landing attempts were unsuccessful) reinforcing a development cadence that looks increasingly steady as Artemis faces schedule pressure. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2026 Now, the aerospace company — which specializes in rockets, satellites, space transportation, and reusable launch vehicles — is EWIT’s largest holding, making up about 16% of the trust’s overall portfolio. Hugh Leask, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2025 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 11 Jan. 2026.

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