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

These include fusion magnet systems, space electromagnetic propulsion, superconducting induction heating, magnetic levitation technologies, and efficient power transmission systems. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025

The units supply electricity and cabin air when the main engines aren’t running and do not provide propulsion for flight. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025

According to the report, one of the Russian vessels was a Borei-class ballistic missile submarine powered by nuclear propulsion, marking the first time the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has spotted this type of Russian submarine near Japanese territory. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

In terms of grunt, the new vessel will be powered by a hybrid propulsion system mated with twin MTU engines, which have a battery capacity of up to 1,920kWh. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 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