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

In this arrangement, diesel generators and a gas turbine produce electricity that powers electric motors connected to the ship’s propulsion system. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026

Missions like The Planetary Society’s Lightsail 2 (launched in 2019) and Japan's Ikaros solar sail (which flew to Venus in 2010) proved that the fundamentals of lightsail propulsion could work. —Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 31 May 2026

The test allows engineers to verify that a rocket's propulsion system is working as intended before an actual launch. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Neither uses propellor propulsion or rudders; instead, gas turbines power high-speed water jets. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 May 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