cruise missile

noun

: a guided missile that has a terrain-following radar system and that flies at moderate speed and low altitude

Examples of cruise missile in a Sentence

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By firing Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles at maritime and coastal targets, the submarine demonstrated the operational use of two key weapons systems associated with the Yasen-M class. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 The Patriot munition at a critical low is the Patriot Advanced Capability-3, or PAC-3, a high-velocity surface-to-air interceptor designed to destroy incoming tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles by ramming into them. — James Laporta, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 The Saudis also intercepted a cruise missile over the Al-Kharj governorate in Riyadh province and a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh, Al Jazeera reported. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026 Houthi capabilities The Houthis have learned to combine ballistic and cruise missiles with long-range drones to overwhelm Saudi defenses. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cruise missile

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cruise missile was in 1959

Rhymes for cruise missile

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Browse Nearby Words

cruise control
cruise missile
cruiser
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on cruise missile

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cruise missile

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