thruster

noun

thrust·​er ˈthrə-stər How to pronounce thruster (audio)
variants or less commonly thrustor
: one that thrusts
especially : an engine (such as a jet engine) that develops thrust by expelling a jet of fluid or a stream of particles

Examples of thruster 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.
Their return was delayed amid mechanical issues, helium leaks and problems with Starliner's service module thruster. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 The mission gained worldwide attention when the spacecraft experienced several serious issues en route to the space station, including thruster outages and gas leaks. Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025 For course corrections and other small changes in trajectory, small thrusters fueled by relatively stable liquid and gases will do. David Szondy july 21, New Atlas, 21 July 2025 Only the exhaust from the attitude control thrusters was generated with CGI. ArsTechnica, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for thruster

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thruster was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

“Thruster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thruster. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

thruster

noun
thrust·​er ˈthrəs-tər How to pronounce thruster (audio)
: one that thrusts
especially : an engine that produces thrust by discharging a jet of fluid or a stream of particles

More from Merriam-Webster on thruster

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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