self-propulsion

noun

self-pro·​pul·​sion ˌself-prə-ˈpəl-shən How to pronounce self-propulsion (audio)
: propulsion by one's own power

Examples of self-propulsion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An electric starter and self-propulsion make this Toro snow blower easy to use. Ben Romans, Field & Stream, 4 Jan. 2024 The objects were unmanned, appeared to be moving by prevailing winds, not self-propulsion, and had no communications signals, according to national security officials. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-propulsion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-propulsion was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near self-propulsion

Cite this Entry

“Self-propulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-propulsion. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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