ballistic missile

noun

Rocketry.

1. any missile that, after being launched and possibly guided during takeoff, travels unpowered in a ballistic trajectory.

ballistic missile

noun

1. a missile that has no wings or fins and that follows a ballistic trajectory when its propulsive power is discontinued

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballistic missile¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Unconfirmed reports say a ballistic missile was used in the strike, which took place on Monday morning.

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The Russian Defense Ministry said it used Kinzhal ballistic missiles and drones to strike energy infrastructure and warehouses storing long-range drones in western Ukraine.

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The official also said the attack showed how "the Russians have started using significantly more ballistic missiles".

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Russia launched vast numbers of ballistic missiles at Ukraine in October - some 268 in all, the highest monthly total since the full-scale invasion, according to analysis published by the Oboz news site.

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The First Offset, went the argument, had been the use of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles to counterbalance the Soviet advantage in men and tanks in the early Cold War.

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Related Words

• intercontinental ballistic missile 
• surface-to-air missile www.thesaurus.com