ballistic missile

American  

noun

Rocketry.

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

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ballistic missile British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of ballistic missile

First recorded in 1950–55

Compare meaning

How does ballistic-missile compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cruise missile vs. ballistic missile

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ballistic missile

The use of the Dongfeng 15, if confirmed, would mark the first time Saudi Arabia has used a ballistic missile in its yearslong war with Houthi militants in Yemen.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

He said the goal of the U.S. operation was to incapacitate Iran’s ballistic missile program, its navy and its nuclear program.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026

The U.K. is also designing a ballistic missile for Ukraine.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

Japan earlier said a suspected "ballistic missile launched by North Korea a short while ago has already fallen", according to an X post from the prime minister's office.

From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026

I looked down and almost shot out of the water like a ballistic missile.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• intercontinental ballistic missile
• surface-to-air missile