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

Odisea is reportedly equipped with a twin-diesel propulsion system and a compact exhaust with a patented SCR system that significantly reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2026

Each mast supports roughly 16,100 square feet of sail area, giving the vessel significant wind-propulsion capability. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026

Davoyan's research looks at how to create new propulsion systems to send spacecrafts more quickly to the far reaches of the solar system to gather and send back information to Earth. —ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026

The company went public in February 2025, and offers a variety of products and services including aerodynamic interstage systems and propulsion and launch systems. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 13 Mar. 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