intercontinental ballistic missile

noun

1. any supersonic missile that has a range of at least 3500 nautical miles (6,500 km) and follows a ballistic trajectory after a powered, guided launching. : ICBM, I.C.B.M.

intercontinental ballistic missile

/ ˌɪntəˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl /

noun

1. a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory and has the range to carry a nuclear bomb over 5500 km ICBM

intercontinental ballistic missile

1. A missile with a long range (five thousand miles or more) that carries nuclear warheads and can be launched from the ground or from submarines. ( See also MIRV .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercontinental ballistic missile¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The future threat would not be bombers, but intercontinental ballistic missiles or missiles launched from submarines.

From Washington Post

Musk compared the approach to “an intercontinental ballistic missile traveling at Mach 25 that lands,” and said the flights were likely to be all coach, with no toilets or food and the kind of restraints one might expect on a rollercoaster.

From Singularity Hub 

The parallel progress in the intercontinental ballistic missile effort will be advanced by our plans for acceleration.

From Project Gutenberg

The Arias intercontinental ballistic missile program has been marked by rapid development as evidenced by recent successful tests.

From Project Gutenberg

The new M-X missile program to enhance our land-based intercontinental ballistic missile force continues to make progress.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• guided missile