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 power and potential of nuclear thermal propulsion Hampson, a master’s student in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE), earned his undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026

In terms of power, the yacht is equipped with propulsion technology developed through Feadship’s Advanced Electrical Drive program. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Jan. 2026

The state-of-the-art ride system features an advanced propulsion system that provides unprecedented control over the speed, position, orientation and rotation of the boats, according to a patent filed by Disney in 2012. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026

The mission is designed to be a technology demonstration of the Blue Moon Mark 1 cargo lander design, including precision landing systems and propulsion tech that will support later commercial and NASA payload deliveries to the lunar surface, with a capacity of up to 6,600 pounds (3,000 kilograms). —Andrew Jones, Space.com, 5 Jan. 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