sputnik

[spoot-nik, spuht-, spoot-nyik]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letter),  any of a series of Soviet earth-orbiting satellites.

   Sputnik I was the world's first space satellite.

Sputnik

/ ˈspʌt-, ˈspʊtnɪk /

noun

1. any of a series of unmanned Soviet satellites, Sputnik 1 (launched in 1957) being the first man-made satellite to orbit the earth

Word History and Origins

Origin of sputnik¹

1957; < Russian spútnik satellite, traveling companion, equivalent to s- together, with + put’ way, route + -nik agent suffix ( -nik )

Word History and Origins

Origin of sputnik¹

C20: from Russian, literally: fellow traveller, from s- with + put path + -nik suffix indicating agent

Example Sentences

With his trademark delivery - unhurried and calm - he informed viewers of the first sputnik in space, and delivered the communiqués of the Communist Party.

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This guy's not as imposing as a sputnik, but just as many bulbs.

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A “sputnik chandelier” hangs over the dining room table while a breakfast nook adjoining the kitchen has a Formica-topped dinette table and curtains with a starburst pattern.

Read more on Seattle Times

The Soviets called it sputnik, meaning simply "satellite" or "fellow traveler."

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The Met’s crystal chandeliers, which have come to be called “sputniks” for their space-age starburst design, are among the most popular features of the theater.

Read more on New York Times