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

The Baza Telegram channel, which is linked to Russia's security forces, said that preliminary information had pointed to ATACMS ballistic missiles being fired, although this has not been officially confirmed. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Russia could soon launch another attack against Ukraine using an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), according to a U.S. official. —Brad Dress, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024

Intercontinental ballistic missiles can be used to deliver nuclear weapons. —Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

Since then, Russian forces have used Belarusian territory to launch ballistic missiles into Ukraine. —David Brennan, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

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