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

To build the DualityTM hybrid-electric propulsion system, Helix, headquartered in Milton Keynes, partnered with Astro Mechanica, based in California. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 1 Dec. 2025

The Slingshot is an amazingly fun machine with a squirrelly, but not too squirrelly, back tire for propulsion – paired with the inherent balance of a tadpole-style three wheeler. —New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2025

The propulsion system marks a significant change. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2025

The Dali hit the bridge after a series of electrical blackouts and system failures that led to loss of propulsion and steering control in the early hours of March 26, 2024. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 19 Nov. 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