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.
It is launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket, SpaceX's workhorse launch vehicle, which is known for its reusability—helping reduce costs and increase launch frequency. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 With these two accomplishments, Isar Aerospace says its launch vehicle is qualified for flight. Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025 New Shepard is a launch vehicle designed to be fully reusable, with a capsule that returns to Earth via three parachutes. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025 Moscow’s space launch vehicle cooperation with Iran may have allowed the countries to share critical missile technology, including advanced liquid rocket engines, that could be repurposed for ICBMs. Nicole Grajewski, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 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 25 Mar. 2025.

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