missile

American  

[mis-uhl, -ahyl] / ˈmɪs əl, -aɪl /

noun

1. an object or weapon for throwing, hurling, or shooting, as a stone, bullet, or arrow.

2. guided missile.

3. ballistic missile.

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adjective

1. capable of being thrown, hurled, or shot, as from the hand or a gun.

2. used or designed for discharging missiles.

missile British  

/ ˈmɪsaɪl /

noun

1. any object or weapon that is thrown at a target or shot from an engine, gun, etc

2. 1. a rocket-propelled weapon that flies either in a fixed trajectory (ballistic missile) or in a trajectory that can be controlled during flight (guided missile)

   2. ( as modifier )

      a missile carrier

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Etymology

Origin of missile

1600–10; < Latin, neuter of missilis, equivalent to miss ( us ) (past participle of mittere to send, throw) + -ilis -ile

Example Sentences

L3Harris said the investment will support the expansion of capacity for the U.S. military’s missile programs, as the newly formed missile-solutions business helps build out what the Defense Department is calling the “Arsenal of Freedom.”

From MarketWatch

The defense contractor plans to spin off its missile business into a separate, publicly traded company.

From Barron's

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

From The Wall Street Journal

The deployment of Soviet nuclear missile sites on the island triggered the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, when Washington and Moscow took the world to the brink of nuclear war.

From Barron's

The minister also said Sweden was investing 1.3 billion kronor in its "space capability, with around 10 military satellites that will enhance the effectiveness of our unmanned systems and cruise missiles".

From Barron's

Related Words

• ammunition
• bomb
• bullet
• projectile
• rocket