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.
Russian forces have increased the number of missile strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, likely as part of a push to exploit Kyiv’s shortage of ballistic missile interceptors. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 This is crucial because advanced conventional weapons, like drones, are highly destructive, and conventional ballistic missiles could be mistaken for nuclear ones, risking catastrophic escalation. — William Hartung, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Superfast, maneuverable vehicles like Talon-A are tougher to track and intercept than ballistic missiles, which follow predictable trajectories despite moving fast. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Missile silos are fortified underground launch facilities designed to house intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 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 5 Aug. 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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