Definition of missile
1 : capable of being thrown or projected to strike a distant object
2 : adapted for throwing or hurling missiles
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Recent Examples of missile from the Web
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Missile experts say the North’s shift to solids came as a surprise.
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Missile experts haven't identified the four intermediate-range missiles that landed on Monday off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, about 620 miles from its...
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'missile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of missile
Latin missilis, from mittere to throw, send
missile
Definition of missile
: an object (such as a weapon) thrown or projected usually so as to strike something at a distance stones, artillery shells, bullets, and rockets are missiles: such asa : guided missileb : ballistic missile
Recent Examples of missile from the Web
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Congress is considering new sanctions to punish Iran over its ballistic missile program.
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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the missile test was a new escalation of the threat posed to the United States and the world, and that Washington would bring North Korea's action before the U.N. Security Council.
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Ties between the Koreas have plunged over the North’s expanding missile and nuclear programs and the hard-line policies of Moon’s conservative predecessors.
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That includes the machinery, purchased in contravention of both U.S. and U.N. sanctions, needed to build nuclear weapons, as well as the missiles needed to deliver them.
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Warner served as executive officer aboard the attack submarine Key West, firing Tomahawk cruise missiles at enemy targets in Iraq, before taking command of the sister sub Bremerton in 2008.
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The legislation also expands sanctions against Iran for ballistic missile tests and the activities of the country's Revolutionary Guard Corps.
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After Merkel appears to show the flight pattern of a missile with her hand, Putin pauses, shakes his head, and then wags his finger at her.
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Ryan's comments came after North Korea fired a ballistic missile Tuesday in the direction of Japan.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'missile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of missile
circa 1656
MISSILE Defined for English Language Learners
missile
Definition of missile for English Language Learners
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: an object that is thrown, shot, or launched as a weapon; especially : a rocket that explodes when it hits a distant target
MISSILE Defined for Kids
missile
playDefinition of missile for Students
: an object (as a stone, arrow, bullet, or rocket) that is dropped, thrown, shot, or launched usually so as to strike something at a distance
Word Root of missile
The Latin word mittere, meaning “to send,” and its form missus give us the roots mit and miss. Words from the Latin mittere have something to do with sending. A missile is an object, such as a bullet, arrow, or rocket, that is sent through the air so as to hit a target. To emit is to send forth or give out. To omit, or leave out, is to send away so as to not be included. To permit, or allow, is to send something through without stopping it.
Learn More about missile
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See words that rhyme with missile Spanish Central: Translation of missile Nglish: Translation of missile for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of missile for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about missile
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