self-propelled

adjective

self-pro·​pelled ˌself-prə-ˈpeld How to pronounce self-propelled (audio)
1
: containing within itself the means for its own propulsion
a self-propelled vehicle
2
: mounted on or fired from a moving vehicle
a self-propelled gun

Examples of self-propelled 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.
The nodes are also supposed to be autonomous and self-propelled, although initial deployment would likely occur by ship. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 5 May 2026 They are hermetically sealed, contain diesel or electric engines, and are either self-propelled or carry people who help ensure the drugs get to their destinations. — Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025 Humphrey particularly recalls a wheelchair-ready van with a Detroit Lions logo on the side, a Mazda Miata, and the slickest available wheelchairs, both motorized and self-propelled. — Detroit Free Press, 18 June 2023 While some purists complained, many critics found his writing so seductive and self-propelled that readers would instinctively know what was a quote or when a sentence came to an end. — Steve Marble, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-propelled was in 1812

Rhymes for self-propelled

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Browse Nearby Words

self-promotion
self-propelled
self-propelling
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-propelled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-propelled. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

self-propelled

adjective
self-pro·​pelled
ˌself-prə-ˈpeld
: having within itself the means for its own movement
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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