missile

[mis-uhl, -ahyl]

noun

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

2. guided missile.

3. ballistic missile.

adjective

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

2. used or designed for discharging missiles.

missile

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of missile¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of missile¹

C17: from Latin: missilis , from mittere to send

Example Sentences

He also posted an aerial surveillance video showing a small boat on water that is struck by a missile and explodes.

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Before 9 September, when Netanyahu ordered a missile strike on Qatar he seemed to still be intent on crushing Israel's enemy so comprehensively, that Israel would be able to dictate the future of Gaza.

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The Pentagon’s reported push to beef up America’s missile arsenal spells more good news for a number of defense contractors, according to Vertical Research Partners.

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"We thought that there could be missile attacks and we would be safe if we stay underground, in the bunkers."

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Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks that killed retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel that killed dozens of people there.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• ammunition 
• bomb 
• bullet 
• projectile 
• rocket