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

Unconfirmed reports say a ballistic missile was used in the strike, which took place on Monday morning.

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The leaders said they did not know whether The Washington Post's report was true, but they said attacking survivors of an initial missile strike presented major legal concerns.

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This is a much higher domestic political risk than cruise missile strikes or B-2 bomber raids.

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In October, President Zelensky flew to Washington, hoping to secure long-range, U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles.

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The nation’s premier defense firms and missile manufacturers will likely enjoy direct access to Golden Dome, since the project is expected to be headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, the “Pentagon of the South.”

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• ammunition 
• bomb 
• bullet 
• projectile 
• rocket