propulsion
noun
pro·pul·sion
prə-ˈpəl-shən 
1
: the action or process of propelling
2
: something that propels
Examples of propulsion in a Sentence
Sailboats use wind as their source of propulsion.
Recent Examples on the Web
The charging document also states the sailboat lost wind propulsion, and Insua did not reverse course or slow down before crashing into the small boat.
—
David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), the contra-rotary ramjet is built to function across the entire flight envelope, from takeoff to hypersonic speeds, without switching propulsion modes.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
The legacy of nuclear propulsion is deep and star-crossed.
—David W. Brown, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026
All of those maneuvers combine to give the crew a 24-hour-long orbit, allowing plenty of time to make sure Orion's communications, navigation, propulsion and life support systems are working properly before heading to the moon.
—William Harwood, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
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David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), the contra-rotary ramjet is built to function across the entire flight envelope, from takeoff to hypersonic speeds, without switching propulsion modes.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
The legacy of nuclear propulsion is deep and star-crossed.
—David W. Brown, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026
All of those maneuvers combine to give the crew a 24-hour-long orbit, allowing plenty of time to make sure Orion's communications, navigation, propulsion and life support systems are working properly before heading to the moon.
—William Harwood, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for propulsion
Cite this Entry
“Propulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propulsion. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
propulsion
noun
pro·pul·sion
prə-ˈpəl-shən
1
: the action or process of propelling
2
: something that propels
propulsive
adjective
-ˈpəl-siv
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