intercontinental ballistic missile

American  

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.

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intercontinental ballistic missile British  

/ ˌɪntəˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl /

noun

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

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intercontinental ballistic missile Cultural  

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.)

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Etymology

Origin of intercontinental ballistic missile

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

In 2021, Kim had presented weapons modernization goals including developing tactical nuclear warheads and intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

From The Wall Street Journal

She was shown inspecting North Korea's latest intercontinental ballistic missile while holding her father's hand.

From BBC

If Russia or China were to fire intercontinental ballistic missiles at the U.S., many would likely cross over Greenland.

From The Wall Street Journal

It also sits beneath the flight paths of potential intercontinental ballistic missiles fired from parts of Russia or China.

From The Wall Street Journal

She applies a forensic eye to what might happen in a handful of nerve centers if radar picked up an incoming intercontinental ballistic missile headed straight for the Midwest.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• guided missile