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
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.
But only United States has this unique intelligence to say, to tell us, to tell our side when Russia uses ballistic missiles. — NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026 Zelensky said that intelligence sharing had been blocked by the US side for three days during ballistic missile attacks but had since been restored. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 This week, Ukraine also did not receive advanced warning from partners of incoming ballistic missiles, resulting in civilian deaths, according to Ukrainian officials. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026 These aircraft maintain communication links between national leadership and nuclear forces, including ballistic missile submarines. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ballistic missile

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ballistic missile was in 1950

Rhymes for ballistic missile

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Browse Nearby Words

ballistician
ballistic missile
ballistic pendulum
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Cite this Entry

“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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.com: Encyclopedia article about ballistic missile

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