ballistics

American  

[buh-lis-tiks] / bəˈlɪs tɪks /

noun

(usually used with a singular verb)

1. the science or study of the motion of projectiles, as bullets, shells, or bombs.

2. the art or science of designing projectiles for maximum flight performance.

---

ballistics British  

/ bəˈlɪstɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the study of the flight dynamics of projectiles, either through the interaction of the forces of propulsion, the aerodynamics of the projectile, atmospheric resistance, and gravity ( exterior ballistics ), or through these forces along with the means of propulsion, and the design of the propelling weapon and projectile ( interior ballistics )

---

ballistics Scientific  

/ bə-lĭs′tĭks /

1. The scientific study of the characteristics of projectiles, such as bullets or missiles, and the way they move in flight.

---

Other Word Forms

• ballistician
  noun

Etymology

Origin of ballistics

First recorded in 1745–55; see origin at ballistic, -ics

Example Sentences

Ballistics evidence played a key role in the case, investigators said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2025

Ms. Ison said separately that nonfatal shootings went down 15% this summer, which means fewer lives lost but also more evidence to be gathered for the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network.

From Washington Times • Sep. 26, 2023

Paul James set up the National Ballistics Intelligence Service, which uses sophisticated analysis to identify and track weapons used by criminals.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2023

Ballistics analysis confirmed on Sunday that the same gun was used in all five shootings, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

From New York Times • Mar. 14, 2022

Ballistics, the science of the motion of projectiles.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 3 Atrebates to Bedlis by Various