ballistic missile
noun
plural ballistic missiles
: a usually rocket-powered missile that is launched in a high arc under guidance for its ascent but that is unpowered and unguided once it begins its descent compare cruise missile, guided missile
Examples of ballistic missile in a Sentence
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Ukraine's air force said Russia launched two ballistic missiles and 221 drones in its latest barrage, of which 195 drones were intercepted or otherwise suppressed.
—
David Brennan, ABC News, 11 June 2026
This program is seen as one of the most important defense upgrades happening in the United States, since ballistic missile submarines are the most secure part of the country’s nuclear defense system.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 June 2026
Within hours, two dozen Iranian ballistic missiles were soaring toward Israel.
—Charlie D'agata, CBS News, 10 June 2026
And so, when Hezbollah fired two rockets at northern Israel on Sunday morning – both of which were intercepted – Netanyahu approved the Beirut strikes and, within hours, Iran fired its first ballistic missiles at Israel since the April ceasefire took effect.
—Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
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David Brennan, ABC News, 11 June 2026
This program is seen as one of the most important defense upgrades happening in the United States, since ballistic missile submarines are the most secure part of the country’s nuclear defense system.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 June 2026
Within hours, two dozen Iranian ballistic missiles were soaring toward Israel.
—Charlie D'agata, CBS News, 10 June 2026
And so, when Hezbollah fired two rockets at northern Israel on Sunday morning – both of which were intercepted – Netanyahu approved the Beirut strikes and, within hours, Iran fired its first ballistic missiles at Israel since the April ceasefire took effect.
—Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ballistic missile
Cite this Entry
“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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