pro·jec·tile
prə-ˈjek-tᵊl 
-ˌtī(-ə)l
-ˌtī(-ə)l
chiefly British ˈprä-jik-ˌtī(-ə)l
1
: a body projected by external force and continuing in motion by its own inertia
especially
: a missile for a weapon (such as a firearm)
2
: a self-propelling weapon (such as a rocket)
1
: projecting or impelling forward
a projectile force
2
: capable of being thrust forward
Examples of projectile in a Sentence
Noun
The cannon fires a ten-pound projectile.
Someone threw a projectile at her car.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
Yet these countries have also demonstrated impressive defensive prowess, shooting down the vast majority of projectiles aimed at them.
—Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Bob Ortega, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Survivor 49 kicked off Wednesday night with two-hour premiere filled with projectile vomit, blatant puzzle copying, and a new bromance for the ages.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for projectile
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Noun
The attack occurred after projectiles struck four other vessels in Gulf waters, according to port, maritime security and risk firms.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
Yet these countries have also demonstrated impressive defensive prowess, shooting down the vast majority of projectiles aimed at them.
—Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Many local police have more stringent requirements, including Washington, DC, where officers are instructed not to use projectile launchers, including pepper balls, within six feet of targets.
—Bob Ortega, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Survivor 49 kicked off Wednesday night with two-hour premiere filled with projectile vomit, blatant puzzle copying, and a new bromance for the ages.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for projectile
Cite this Entry
“Projectile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/projectile. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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