cruise missile

noun

: a guided missile that has a terrain-following radar system and that flies at moderate speed and low altitude

Examples of cruise missile in a Sentence

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This profile, combined with the launch aircraft’s ability to remain outside enemy air-defense envelopes, gives the system a clear tactical advantage over slower, level-flying cruise missiles. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026 Thousands of troops are headed for the region; a third aircraft carrier is en route; and the Pentagon is committing nearly its entire inventory of stealthy JASSM-ER cruise missiles to the Mideast. Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026 Officials in the United Arab Emirates reported to have intercepted nine ballistic missiles, 50 drones and a cruise missile fired by Iran on Sunday. Npr Staff, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026 Epic Fury opened with the most exquisite tools available—stealth bombers, stealth fighters, electronic attack, cyberwar, long-range cruise missiles and penetrating munitions. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cruise missile

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cruise missile was in 1959

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Cite this Entry

“Cruise missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruise%20missile. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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