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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In early May, the rebel group launched a hypersonic ballistic missile at Ben-Gurion International Airport, the main airport in Israel, and now reportedly plan to target commercial aircraft as well. Zach Lachance, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2025 That’s not surprising, considering Israel’s Arrow and David’s Sling systems are more suitable for intercepting ballistic missiles compared to its older Patriot PAC-2s. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 Israel also said the strikes took out a significant chunk of Iran's ballistic missile stockpile. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025 An Israeli official said Iran had fired around 200 ballistic missiles in four waves. Dan Morrison, USA Today, 15 June 2025 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 18 Jun. 2025.

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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