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 test marked a welcome victory for SpaceX and the budding launch vehicle, which suffered in-flight upper stage explosions during each of this year's three Starship launches leading up to Flight 10. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025 In reality, New Glenn is part of the heavyweight class of launch vehicles, competing with the more powerful Starship. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025 The capital will be used mainly for the follow-up development and mass production of the Gravity-2 medium-lift liquid launch vehicle. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025 The Starship, standing 403 feet tall when fully stacked, is regarded as the world's largest and most powerful launch vehicle ever developed. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Launch vehicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launch%20vehicle. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on launch vehicle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!