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

Its Hadley liquid rocket engines have already flown in hypersonic conditions, validating propulsion performance in real-world scenarios. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 25 Feb. 2026

Perhaps more importantly, the hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system enables silent, emissions-free stints at sea. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2026

The need to bring the rocket back to the VAB came after a helium flow issue was found in the rocket’s upper stage, something that cannot be fixed without access to the interim cryogenic propulsion stage that cannot be done at the pad. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026

Keem’s trademark yawp gave his early work a demented sense of propulsion. —Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 24 Feb. 2026

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