propellant

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​pel·​lant prə-ˈpe-lənt 

variants or less commonly propellent

: capable of propelling

propellant

2 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly propellent

: something that propels: such as

a

: an explosive for propelling projectiles

b

: fuel plus oxidizer used by a rocket engine

c

: a gas kept under pressure in a bottle or can for expelling the contents when the pressure is released

Examples of propellant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The non-aerosol propellant sprays out a water-resistant formula with SPF 30. —Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026

The problem stems from a leak in the service module’s propulsion system, which affects the pressurization of propellant tanks. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026

Noun

The non-aerosol propellant sprays out a water-resistant formula with SPF 30. —Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026

The problem stems from a leak in the service module’s propulsion system, which affects the pressurization of propellant tanks. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin prōpellent-, prōpellens, present participle of prōpellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward" — more at propel

Noun

in part noun derivative of propellant entry 1, in part from propel + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1644, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1654, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for propellant

• appellant
• libellant
• repellant
• repellent

Kids Definition

propellant

noun

pro·​pel·​lant

variants also propellent

prə-ˈpel-ənt

: something that propels: as

a

: fuel plus a chemical to supply oxygen used by a rocket engine

b

: a gas under pressure in a can for expelling the contents when the pressure is released