ballistic missile

noun

plural ballistic missiles
: a usually rocket-powered missile that is launched in a high arc under guidance for its ascent but that is unpowered and unguided once it begins its descent compare cruise missile, guided missile

Examples of ballistic missile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Russia launched another strike on Ukraine as 219 drones and 24 ballistic missiles reportedly hit various cities throughout Ukraine on Wednesday night. Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 12 Feb. 2026 Israel has long called for Iran to cease all uranium enrichment, dial back its ballistic missile program and cut ties to militant groups across the region. Farnoush Amiri, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 Iran's reliance on ballistic missiles as the central pillar of its military strategy dates back to its war with Iraq in the 1980s. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026 On Sunday, several Russian ballistic missiles struck Kyiv, Zelenskyy said. David Brennan, ABC News, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ballistic missile

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ballistic missile was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

ballistic missile

noun
: a missile that moves under its own power, is guided as it rises in a steeply curving path, and falls freely on the way back to earth

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