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

Recent Examples on the Web Amir Cohen/Reuters Israeli military personnel load a truck with the apparent remains of an Iranian ballistic missile after it was found in the desert near the southern city of Arad, Israel, April 26, 2024. Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 May 2024 The ballistic missiles rolled through Red Square, the fighter jets zipped overhead and rows of foreign dignitaries impassively looked on. Anatoly Kurmanaev Nanna Heitmann, New York Times, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for ballistic missile 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ballistic missile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ballistic missile was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near ballistic missile

Cite this Entry

“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 17 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

ballistic missile

noun
: a missile that moves under its own power, is guided as it rises in a steeply curving path, and falls freely on the way back to earth

More from Merriam-Webster on ballistic missile

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