trajectory
Americannoun
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trajectories
plural
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the curve described by a projectile, rocket, or the like in its flight.
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Geometry. a curve or surface that cuts all the curves or surfaces of a given system at a constant angle.
noun
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the path described by an object moving in air or space under the influence of such forces as thrust, wind resistance, and gravity, esp the curved path of a projectile
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geometry a curve that cuts a family of curves or surfaces at a constant angle
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Physics The line or curve described by an object moving through space.
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Mathematics A curve or surface that passes through a given set of points or intersects a given series of curves or surfaces at a constant angle.
Usage
What does trajectory mean? The trajectory of an object is the path it follows once in flight or in motion. The word is especially used in the context of the path of projectiles like rockets, but it can be used in many different contexts. The trajectory of a golf ball is the curved path it follows in the air after being hit by a golf club. The trajectory of an asteroid is the path it follows in space. The potential trajectory of a storm is the route that it may travel. In geometry, trajectory is used in a more specific way to refer to a curve that intersects through a series of points at the same angle. Example: Try to determine the trajectory of the ball as it flies through the air so you can position yourself to catch it.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of trajectory
First recorded in 1660–70; from New Latin trājectōria, noun use of feminine of Medieval Latin trājectōrius “casting over”; equivalent to traject + -tory 1
Explanation
If you stay on your current trajectory of constant shopping, dining out, and yacht rentals, you'll end up broke. A trajectory is the path of an object through space, or the path of life that a person chooses. Trajectory comes from the Latin trajectoria, which means "throw across." The prefix tra- is short for trans-, which means "across" (think transport and transit) and the ject comes from jacere, which means "throw" and is also the root of the word jet. If you wanted to describe the path of a jet through the sky, you could refer to the jet's trajectory.
Vocabulary lists containing trajectory
The Alchemist
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Freak the Mighty
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Into the Wild
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
While changes in global trade policies and geopolitical developments added "uncertainty" to the economy, the finance ministry said Taiwan's export growth trajectory is expected to continue for the rest of the year.
From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026
In an interview, HANetf co-Chief Executive and industry veteran Hector McNeil explained the shifting trajectory for cryptocurrency funds.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026
Meyer is optimistic this technology's trajectory will only continue to rise.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
He stayed back on a fastball and crushed it to deep left field, on a trajectory to just clear the short fence.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
I think I recognize the face, but its trajectory takes it underneath a chair, where it gets temporarily stuck, so I can’t be sure.
From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman
Based on the current trajectories of dollar-yen’s 50-DMA and 200-DMA, the crossover should occur before the end of next week.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026
Still, Saad says that Athabasca has one of the strongest growth trajectories among its peer group.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
In the elementary school years, their trajectories diverge.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
More than once, she said, she has had to order planes to slow down or alter their trajectories to avoid accidents.
From Barron's ● Aug. 23, 2026
That is, the different historical trajectories of Africa and Europe stem ultimately from differences in real estate.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
