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

That includes fixing the thruster issues from the first crewed spaceflight and conducting more propulsion system testing. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 June 2025

The regulations mandate that by 2035, diesel engines on existing vessels must be upgraded and new builds must have zero-emission propulsion systems. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025

While working to address the issue, a helium leak in the propulsion system was discovered, NASA reported at the time. —Jillian Frankel, People.com, 6 June 2025

The nuclear propulsion projects are terminated to achieve cost savings and because there are other nearer-term propulsion alternatives for Mars transit. —Stephen Clark – Jun 3, ArsTechnica, 3 June 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