launch vehicle

noun

: a rocket used to launch a satellite or spacecraft

Examples of launch vehicle 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.
This is because Terran R is a large launch vehicle, too large to move across the country by highway. Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025 Once Starships start lifting off from the Kennedy Space Center, those closures will likely become longer and more frequent due to the launch vehicles’ greater size and history of explosive failures. Edward Woodson, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025 What is the SpaceX Starship? Starship, the world’s most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, is SpaceX's massive spacecraft composed of both a 232-foot Super Heavy rocket and the 171-foot upper stage vehicle. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025 Next, Endurance will be mated to its Falcon 9 launch vehicle and undergo final checkouts before rolling out to the launch pad. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for launch vehicle

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of launch vehicle was circa 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Launch vehicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launch%20vehicle. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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