space shuttle

noun

: a reusable spacecraft designed to transport people and cargo between earth and space

Examples of space shuttle 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.
It's now been 40 years since New Hampshire school teacher Christa McAuliffe died when the space shuttle Challenger exploded. CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026 In January 1986, cold temperatures compromised rubber O-ring seals on the solid rocket boosters of the space shuttle Challenger, which led to a tragic accident that claimed the lives of seven astronauts during the launch of the STS-51L mission. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026 The space shuttle, indeed the entire space program, represented all that was excellent in American technology and in America itself. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026 But the day after the freezing celebration parade in Chicago, the space shuttle Challenger exploded after takeoff in Florida, putting an abrupt end to national merriment. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for space shuttle

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of space shuttle was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Space shuttle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/space%20shuttle. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

space shuttle

noun
: a spacecraft designed to transport people and cargo between earth and space that can be used repeatedly

More from Merriam-Webster on space shuttle

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