trajectory

American  

[truh-jek-tuh-ree] / trəˈdʒɛk tə ri /

noun

plural

trajectories

1. the curve described by a projectile, rocket, or the like in its flight.

2. Geometry. a curve or surface that cuts all the curves or surfaces of a given system at a constant angle.

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trajectory British  

/ -trɪ, trəˈdʒɛktaɪl, trəˈdʒɛktərɪ /

noun

1. the path described by an object moving in air or space under the influence of such forces as thrust, wind resistance, and gravity, esp the curved path of a projectile

2. geometry a curve that cuts a family of curves or surfaces at a constant angle

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trajectory Scientific  

/ trə-jĕk′tə-rē /

1. Physics The line or curve described by an object moving through space.

2. Mathematics A curve or surface that passes through a given set of points or intersects a given series of curves or surfaces at a constant angle.

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Usage

What does trajectory mean? The trajectory of an object is the path it follows once in flight or in motion.The word is especially used in the context of the path of projectiles like rockets, but it can be used in many different contexts.The trajectory of a golf ball is the curved path it follows in the air after being hit by a golf club. The trajectory of an asteroid is the path it follows in space. The potential trajectory of a storm is the route that it may travel.In geometry, trajectory is used in a more specific way to refer to a curve that intersects through a series of points at the same angle.Example: Try to determine the trajectory of the ball as it flies through the air so you can position yourself to catch it.

Other Word Forms

• trajectile adjective
• trajection noun

Etymology

Origin of trajectory

First recorded in 1660–70; from New Latin trājectōria, noun use of feminine of Medieval Latin trājectōrius “casting over”; equivalent to traject + -tory ¹

Example Sentences

Such an inquiry must examine not only the events of Dec. 14, 2025, but the broader trajectory since Oct.

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. is on a similar growth trajectory.

From Barron's

Days after taking office, he signed an executive order declaring: “There is little time left to avoid setting the world on a dangerous, potentially catastrophic, climate trajectory.”

From The Wall Street Journal

AI search is on a trajectory to drive revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal

But by the time 10 cases are identified, it is overwhelmingly likely that the infection has already spread into the wider population, making its trajectory virtually indistinguishable from a scenario with no early intervention.

From BBC

Related Words

• curve
• orbit
• path