missile

1 of 2

adjective

mis·​sile ˈmi-səl 

chiefly British

-ˌsīl 

1

: capable of being thrown or projected to strike a distant object

2

: adapted for throwing or hurling missiles

missile

2 of 2

noun

: 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 as

a

: guided missile

b

: ballistic missile

Examples of missile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The militarization of space, expanded anti-missile defenses and the potential risks of AI could create additional instability. —Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026

The militarization of space, expanded anti-missile defenses and the potential risks of AI could create additional instability. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

Noun

Among the targets identified in an ABC News analysis were surface-to-air missile systems, communications antennas and at least two buildings that appeared to be depots. —Paul P. Murphy, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2026

The House version of the NDAA, meanwhile, included a measure ordering the war secretary to produce a report on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, possibly recommending additional missile and air defense resources, enhancing security in the country. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin missilis, from mittere to throw, send

First Known Use

Adjective

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing missile

• antiballistic missile
• anti-missile
• ballistic missile
• cruise missile
• guided missile
• surface-to-air missile
• surface-to-surface missile

Rhymes for missile

• bristle
• fissile
• gristle
• missal
• nissl
• thistle
• whistle
• abyssal
• dismissal
• epistle

Kids Definition

missile

noun

mis·​sile

ˈmis-əl

: an object (as a stone, arrow, artillery shell, bullet, or rocket) that is thrown, shot, or launched usually so as to strike something at a distance

Etymology

Noun

from Latin missile "a weapon that is thrown or shot rather than held in the hand," derived from missus, past participle of mittere "to send, throw" — related to emit