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

Most powerful electric propulsion ever flown The AEPS will be the most powerful electric propulsion ever flown, capable of accelerating spacecraft to extremely high speeds over time using a fraction of the propellant required by conventional chemical propulsion systems. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Dec. 2025

However, whether the scope of US permission will be limited to fuel supply or include nuclear propulsion technology transfer remains unclear. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025

When the wind is insufficient, propulsion will come from two retractable electric-drive propellers that draw power from the 580 kWh battery bank. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 20 Dec. 2025

That description suggests that the Starlink satellite's propulsion tank may have ruptured or suffered some other type of damage. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 18 Dec. 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