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

At home, that means an engine that splits the power generation and propulsion into two separate but parallel sets of machinery. —New Atlas, 14 Dec. 2025

According to reports, the new submarines are over 131 feet (40 meters) long and most likely have a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Dec. 2025

Maglev systems, which use magnetic fields for frictionless propulsion and promise lower environmental impacts, are positioned as solutions in the European Green Deal and the European Commission’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. —Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

Nuclear thermal propulsion could one day take spacecraft to Mars and beyond at a lower cost than that of simply burning fuel. —Preeti Nair, Space.com, 7 Dec. 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