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

While effective, this method is energy-intensive and incompatible with low-emission propulsion systems that lack waste heat. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025

Going into Detroit and snatching a victory, given the circumstances, would be an energy boost bordering on rocket-propulsion levels. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 1 Nov. 2025

More innovatively, a Polish start-up is trialling electromagnetic propulsion for wagons, allowing each to be powered individually and reducing the need for mile-long, hard-to-stop freight trains, the BBC reported. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025

The Poseidon, first unveiled in 2018, is designed to travel across oceans at high speeds using nuclear propulsion and carry a massive warhead. —Efrat Lachter , Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 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