launch vehicle

noun

: a rocket used to launch a satellite or spacecraft

Examples of launch vehicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Five of those have powered each variant of Russia’s R-7 rocket family since the 1950s, a legacy now carried on by the Soyuz launch vehicle. —

Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026 In May, Rocket Lab announced a $30-million contract with Costa Mesa defense contractor Anduril for multiple hypersonic test flights in Virginia using Rocket Lab’s HASTE launch vehicle. —

Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 Demand for these components is expected to rise as the country accelerates work on hypersonic weapons, missile defense systems, commercial launch vehicles, and advanced nuclear energy projects. —

Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2026 Greece’s satellite network is part of a European push linking launch vehicles, navigation systems, Earth observation networks and secure communications into a more sovereign technological ecosystem. —

ABC News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for launch vehicle

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of launch vehicle was circa 1960

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Browse Nearby Words

launchpad

launch vehicle

launch window

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Launch vehicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launch%20vehicle. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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