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

Agency technologies such as propulsion systems, novel materials, and satellites overlap with Department of Defense projects. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2025

Speaking at the 27th Annual Commercial Space Conference on Wednesday, Dave Limp suggested a propulsion issue caused the loss of the New Glenn booster during its landing attempt on the Jan. 16 NG-1 launch. —Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 14 Feb. 2025

After Williams and Wilmore arrived at the orbiting outpost in June, NASA and Boeing spent weeks attempting to pinpoint the cause of propulsion issues and gas leaks that plagued the first leg of the astronauts’ trip aboard the Starliner spacecraft. —Jackie Wattles, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025

The carrier's propulsion wasn't affected by the collision, the official said. —Alex Sundby, CBS News, 13 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