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

Many mopeds reach speeds of 50+ mph or more and may include pedals, though propulsion comes primarily from the electric motor. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

This would increase confidence in the spacecraft's propulsion system and provide the data NASA and partner space agencies need to clear the vehicle to approach and berth with the station on its second flight. —Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2025

To address this issue, our team has spent decades designing and developing a new propulsion system. —Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2025

At about 8:35 am AEST, the 75.5-ft (23-m), 30-tonne rocket lifted off from the pad under the power of its Sirius hybrid propulsion system generating 24,729 lb of thrust. —David Szondy july 30, New Atlas, 30 July 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