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

The United States produces only around 600 per year, and several can be needed to down a single ballistic missile.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

An Iranian ballistic missile struck the main Ras Laffan gas complex, knocking out an estimated 17% of global LNG supply.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

But Iran has proved to be a resilient foe, and some U.S. government analysts project that Iran could still field some of its ballistic missile launchers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The proposal also requires Iran to halt support for regional proxies and accept strict ballistic missile limits.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 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