spacecraft

noun

space·​craft ˈspās-ˌkraft How to pronounce spacecraft (audio)
: a vehicle or device designed for travel or operation outside the earth's atmosphere

Examples of spacecraft 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.
How did the New Shepard spacecraft simulate lunar gravity? Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025 What's also unclear is when, or in what form, Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will fly again. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025 The Earth-observation satellites will complete a constellation of six WorldView Legion spacecraft, which are part of a larger group of 10 Maxar satellites designed for imaging rapidly changing areas of the planet. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2025 Returning to Earth Increasing attention has been paid to Wilmore and Williams’ current venture in space, which began in June when the astronauts launched to the space station aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft during its first crewed journey. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for spacecraft 

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spacecraft was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near spacecraft

Cite this Entry

“Spacecraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spacecraft. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

spacecraft

noun
space·​craft ˈspā-ˌskraft How to pronounce spacecraft (audio)
plural spacecraft
: a vehicle for travel beyond the earth's atmosphere

More from Merriam-Webster on spacecraft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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