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

The Italian yard says the yacht has a range of 4,000 nautical miles, but didn’t give any details regarding the propulsion system. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025

The second is come up with propulsion packages that are efficient and that use different fuel systems. —Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

This is important as traditional microrobots often rely on magnetic fields or chemical fuels for propulsion, which can be hard to control inside the body. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025

The Defense Department money supported research in fields including hypersonic technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced materials and next-generation propulsion. —Didi Tang, Arkansas Online, 6 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