propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: the action or process of propelling

2

: something that propels

Examples of propulsion in a Sentence

Sailboats use wind as their source of propulsion.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the Starship vehicle is in space, SpaceX will attempt to reignite one of its engines — testing out how the spacecraft might light up its propulsion system more than once on future missions that require more than one engine burn. —Jackie Wattles, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025

Indeed, the easiest way to convert someone to wanting an EV is by giving them a short test drive, where the advantages of electric propulsion become apparent. —Ars Technica, 10 Jan. 2025

The upcoming year promises to be an exciting time for the yachting industry, with new design trends, fresh materials, and advances in eco-friendly propulsion systems already shaping the fleet. —Katia Damborsky, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2025

Ahead of the aerospace company are more ground tests and potential modifications to the vehicle to remedy its propulsion system woes and prepare it for routine spaceflight, NASA officials have said. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin prōpulsiōn-, prōpulsiō "action of driving out or urging on," derivative, with the suffix of verbal action -tiōn-, -tiō, of Latin propellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward" (with -s- from past participle and verbal noun prōpulsus) — more at propel

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing propulsion

• jet propulsion
• self-propulsion

Kids Definition

propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: the action or process of propelling

2

: something that propels

propulsive

-ˈpəl-siv

adjective