spacefaring

adjective

space·​far·​ing ˈspās-ˌfer-iŋ How to pronounce spacefaring (audio)
: having vehicles capable of traveling beyond the earth's atmosphere
spacefaring nations

Examples of spacefaring 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.
But Musk also suggests that the act of pursuing a spacefaring future, despite the perils, can serve as a sort of balm for existential dread. Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025 Scientists grew mouse embryos for the first time ever in space What would make humans a truly spacefaring species? Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 31 Dec. 2023 Although the overall risk of harm to people is low—there is only a 0.5 percent chance of injury or death to a human, based on one model—these risks are nonetheless higher than accepted by most spacefaring nations, said Ted Muelhaupt, a reentry and debris expert at The Aerospace Corporation. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 3 Nov. 2022 In 2003, Brazil had high hopes to become a spacefaring nation. Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, 25 Oct. 2022 See All Example Sentences for spacefaring

Word History

Etymology

space entry 1 + seafaring

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spacefaring was in 1952

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Cite this Entry

“Spacefaring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spacefaring. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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