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 its latest strikes against Ukraine early Saturday morning, firing nearly 500 drones and 40 ballistic missiles. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 27 Dec. 2025 China has likely loaded more than 100 Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) across three new silo fields built near the Mongolia border, a draft Pentagon report said. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Dec. 2025 The port was struck with ballistic missiles, said Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa region. CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025 Ukraine's air force said that Russia overnight launched ballistic missiles and 138 attack drones at Ukraine. Arkansas Online, 15 Dec. 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 1 Jan. 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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