self-propelling

adjective

self-pro·​pel·​ling ˌself-prə-ˈpe-liŋ How to pronounce self-propelling (audio)

Examples of self-propelling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chronically weak household demand has prevented the Chinese economy from becoming a self-propelling engine. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 MasterCraft’s main processing engine is Simerics-MP+for Marine, a 3-D CFD tool that provides virtual testing and can predict the performance of the hull design, friction, wave resistance, effective horsepower, self-propelling acceleration, maneuvering, and more. Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025 In terms of weight, most of the models on this list weigh under 10 pounds, and many have a self-propelling for easy maneuvering. Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-propelling was in 1824

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-propelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-propelling. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

self-propelling

adjective
self-pro·​pel·​ling
ˌself-prə-ˈpel-iŋ
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!