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

In a little more than five years, assuming NASA gets past Psyche's propulsion problem, scientists will supplant speculation with solid data. —ArsTechnica, 1 May 2025

The company, known for producing propulsion systems for airplanes, helicopters, and missiles, is expected to be exposed to any change in the global tariff regime. —Chloe Taylor,ganesh Rao, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025

From a segment perspective, commercial engines and services stood out with 14% growth year-over-year, totaling $6.98 billion, while defense and propulsion technologies increased by 1% to $2.32 billion. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

This innovative technology enables the ships to use both hybrid propulsion (from batteries and with liquified natural gas, or LNG) and battery-only power for up to four hours, which means minimal noise and no emissions in Norway’s fragile natural environment. —Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 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

Rhymes for propulsion

• avulsion
• compulsion
• convulsion
• emulsion
• expulsion
• impulsion
• repulsion
• revulsion
• microemulsion

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