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.
United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket lost a nozzle from one of its solid rocket boosters on a test flight last year, but the launch vehicle persevered and continued its climb into orbit. ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025 At least one of those was slated to fly as the first crewed mission of SpaceX's Starship, once SpaceX completes development on the next generation heavy-lift launch vehicle. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Blue Origin's famed New Shepard launch vehicle is on the cusp of ferrying its next crew of celebrities and notable people to the edge of space, where its passengers will have a front-row seat of Earth from more than 60 miles high. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2025 The local auto market remains highly competitive as traditional automakers and new entrants have rushed to cut prices and launch vehicles with new tech features. Evelyn Cheng,bernice Ooi, CNBC, 3 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 16 May. 2025.

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