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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
Russia blocked additional sanctions against North Korea for its ballistic missile tests in 2022 and 2023 and in March 2024 prevented the renewal of a panel of experts that monitor the implementation of UN sanctions on Pyongyang.
—Jacob Knutson, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
Russia conducted a ballistic missile strike at Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, injuring five people, city administration head Oleksandr Vilkul wrote on social media.
—Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
The development comes as Israel continues intense air and ground campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon and against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and mulls its response to Iran's latest ballistic missile attack.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2024
Earlier this year, the West and Ukraine said Iran had sent Russia close-range ballistic missiles, something Moscow denied.
—Reuters, NBC News, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ballistic missile
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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 19 Nov. 2024.
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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