self-propelled

American  

[self-pruh-peld, self-] / ˈsɛlf prəˈpɛld, ˌsɛlf- /

Sometimes self-propelling

adjective

1. propelled by itself.

2. (of a vehicle) propelled by its own engine, motor, or the like, rather than drawn or pushed by a horse, locomotive, etc.

3. (of a gun or a rocket launcher) having a vehicle as a base.

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self-propelled British  

adjective

1. (of a vehicle) provided with its own source of tractive power rather than requiring an external means of propulsion

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Other Word Forms

• self-propelling
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-propelled

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Earlier this week, Kim visited a munitions factory producing 155mm self-propelled howitzers that are set to be deployed to the southern border with South Korea later this year.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

According to the researchers, these spinning crystals represent the first known example of a self-propelled metallic nanoparticle in biology.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

But instead of dismantling it, engineers are moving it in one piece, supported by steel beams and carried on self-propelled modular transporters.

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2025

Israel’s main artillery weapons are its 600 Paladin M109A5 155mm self-propelled howitzers, which are manufactured by BAE Systems in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

From Salon • May 19, 2024

This factor has no significance in connection with horse drawn vehicles, but is to be taken into account when dealing with self-propelled vehicles at speeds in excess of five miles per hour.

From American Rural Highways by Agg, T. R. (Thomas Radford)