intercontinental ballistic missile

noun

1. any supersonic missile that has a range of at least 3500 nautical miles (6,500 km) and follows a ballistic trajectory after a powered, guided launching. ICBM, I.C.B.M.

intercontinental ballistic missile

/ ˌɪntəˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl /

noun

1. ICBM. a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory and has the range to carry a nuclear bomb over 5500 km

intercontinental ballistic missile

1. A missile with a long range (five thousand miles or more) that carries nuclear warheads and can be launched from the ground or from submarines. (See also MIRV.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercontinental ballistic missile¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Related Words

• guided missile