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 incident caused injuries and internal damage but did not affect propulsion or combat systems. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026

Helios announces new plasma propulsion technology that will reduce trips between Earth and Mars to one to two months. —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2026

In terms of propulsion, the yacht is equipped with standard diesel engines plus three Scania gensets for extra electrical power. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2026

Workers also will take a look at the Augusta’s propulsion system, another area in which many littoral combat ships, or LCS, have experienced problems, drawing ongoing criticism from Congress and the defense industry. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 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