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

Jason Kim, Firefly’s CEO, told CNN in December that his company’s experience building rockets has given him a high degree of confidence in Blue Ghost’s propulsion systems. —Jackie Wattles, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025

The propulsion system, developed through the Feadship Advanced Electrical Drive program, is the same one that can be found aboard the yard’s Obsidian. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025

Higher-than-expected vibrations stressed hardware in the ship's propulsion system, triggering propellant leaks and sustained fires until the test flight ended prematurely. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025

That includes redesigns to the vehicle's forward flaps, propulsion system and avionics. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 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