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

Instead of setting Orion up for an insertion into lunar orbit, the free-return trajectory will loop the spacecraft once around the moon on a figure-eight flight path back to Earth, ensuring the crew's return regardless of Orion's propulsion status, should unexpected issues crop up during flight. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026

The latter will supply its Native Parallel Hybrid propulsion systems for this cause. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Jan. 2026

The vessels were developed with state-of-the-art electric propulsion systems, wave-piercing tumblehome hulls, stealth designs, and the latest war-fighting technology and weaponry. —Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

But Starliner suffered helium leaks and thruster failures on its propulsion system that ultimately led to NASA choosing to keep Williams and Wilmore aboard the space station and send Starliner home without them. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026

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