propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: the action or process of propelling

2

: something that propels

Examples of propulsion in a Sentence

Sailboats use wind as their source of propulsion.

Recent Examples on the Web

The European Space Agency’s Invictus program is exploring hypersonic propulsion technologies that could influence both military and commercial platforms. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 24 Nov. 2025

The Dali hit the bridge after a series of electrical blackouts and system failures that led to loss of propulsion and steering control in the early hours of March 26, 2024. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 19 Nov. 2025

Following that initial power failure, the NTSB found that multiple parts of the back up systems that were supposed to restore power and functionality to the ship and prevent the loss of propulsion were not configured correctly. —Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 18 Nov. 2025

On Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the Dali cargo ship had a signal wire that had loosened over time, resulting in the two blackouts that occurred and the vessel’s ensuing loss of propulsion. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 18 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin prōpulsiōn-, prōpulsiō "action of driving out or urging on," derivative, with the suffix of verbal action -tiōn-, -tiō, of Latin propellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward" (with -s- from past participle and verbal noun prōpulsus) — more at propel

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing propulsion

• jet propulsion
• self-propulsion

Rhymes for propulsion

• avulsion
• compulsion
• convulsion
• emulsion
• expulsion
• impulsion
• repulsion
• revulsion
• microemulsion

Kids Definition

propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: the action or process of propelling

2

: something that propels

propulsive

-ˈpəl-siv

adjective