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
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On April 13, 2025, on Palm Sunday, a Russian ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy resulted in at least 30 people killed and over 80 wounded. Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 In response, the Houthis have stepped up their own assaults on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, launching anti-ship ballistic missiles and drones to disrupt shipping and confront U.S.-led naval forces. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 On Friday, a Russian ballistic missile and drone attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih -- Zelenskyy's home town -- killed 19 people, including nine children. David Brennan, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2025 The Marshall Islands, a group of 34 atolls and islands in the North Pacific, is home to 82,000 people and a key American military installation, the US Army Garrison Kwajalein, which helps in ballistic missile testing and tracking. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ballistic missile

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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

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