propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: the action or process of propelling

2

: something that propels

Examples of propulsion in a Sentence

Sailboats use wind as their source of propulsion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Its direct-drive propulsion system was both less efficient and more likely to get jammed up in ice than the diesel-electric systems the Coast Guard used. —Mckenzie Funk, ProPublica, 23 Jan. 2025

The lengthy orbital period will enable mission operators to conduct regular health checks, calibrate the propulsion system for critical maneuvers and begin payload science operations, according to Firefly. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025

The propulsion is also a challenge that is being addressed on a number of competitors. —J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2025

After its first successful test of the propulsion technology, bluShift now looks forward to throwing its hat in the commercial launch market, developing propulsion technologies that reduce costs, and even opening its own private launch site in Maine. —Meredith Garofalo, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin prōpulsiōn-, prōpulsiō "action of driving out or urging on," derivative, with the suffix of verbal action -tiōn-, -tiō, of Latin propellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward" (with -s- from past participle and verbal noun prōpulsus) — more at propel

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing propulsion

• jet propulsion
• self-propulsion

Kids Definition

propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: the action or process of propelling

2

: something that propels

propulsive

-ˈpəl-siv

adjective