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ballistic missile
noun
plural ballistic missiles
: a usually rocket-powered missile that is launched in a high arc under guidance for its ascent but that is unpowered and unguided once it begins its descent compare cruise missile, guided missile
Examples of ballistic missile in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ukraine has been doubling down on efforts to make its own weapons, from millions of drones per year to cruise and ballistic missiles.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
The Houthis have also attacked American and allied military shipping in the region, plus launched drone and ballistic missile strikes into Israel.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2025
Iran has sent short-range ballistic missiles and drones to Russia, according to U.S. and European officials, to aid the Kremlin’s war effort.
—Ivan Nechepurenko, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Satellite photos from China’s northwestern desert show a major recent expansion of what experts believe are ballistic missile silos.
—Joshua Keating, Vox, 15 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1950, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of ballistic missile was
in 1950
Dictionary Entries Near ballistic missile
Cite this Entry
“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
ballistic missile
noun
: a missile that moves under its own power, is guided as it rises in a steeply curving path, and falls freely on the way back to earth
More from Merriam-Webster on ballistic missile
Britannica English: Translation of ballistic missile for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ballistic missile
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