trajectory
noun
Did you know?
Formed with part of the prefix trans-, "across", trajectory means a "hurling across". By calculating the effect of gravity and other forces, the trajectory of an object launched into space at a known speed can be computed precisely. Missiles stand a chance of hitting their target only if their trajectory has been plotted accurately. The word is used most often in physics and engineering, but not always; we can also say, for example, that the trajectory of a whole life may be set in a person's youth, or that a new book traces the long trajectory of the French empire.
Examples of trajectory in a Sentence
David Condos, NPR, 19 May 2026
The project’s development trajectory has been notably robust.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 19 May 2026
In simulation tests, the MIGHTY trajectory-planning system completed tasks using only about 90 percent of the computation time required by leading existing methods while reaching destinations roughly 15 percent faster.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
And the team’s upward trajectory is apparent a year after being knocked out in the first round by Washington, and following a season in which Montreal’s 48 wins and 106 points were the most since 2014-15.
—ABC News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for trajectory
Cite this Entry
“Trajectory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trajectory. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
trajectory
noun
