plural rockets
1
: a type of very powerful engine that is powered by gases that are released from burning fuel
a car powered by a rocket = a rocket-powered car
—often used before another nouna rocket engine
2
: a spacecraft or missile that is powered by a rocket engine
a moon rocket
antiaircraft rockets
a rocket launcher
3
: a firework that goes high in the air before exploding
called also skyrocket
4
chiefly British
: arugula
rockets; rocketed; rocketing
1
: to increase quickly and suddenly
Prices rocketed. [=skyrocketed]
Sales rocketed from 1,000 units last week to 5,000 units this week.
—often + upInterest rates have been rocketing up.
2
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to move or rise quickly
The train rocketed through the tunnel.
The spacecraft rocketed into outer space.
He rocketed to stardom.
Her novel rocketed to the top of the best-seller list.
Their album rocketed up the charts.
His role in the movie rocketed him to fame.
Cite this Entry
“Rocket.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rocket. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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