ballistic missile

noun

plural ballistic missiles

: a usually rocket-powered missile that is launched in a high arc under guidance for its ascent but that is unpowered and unguided once it begins its descent compare cruise missile, guided missile

Examples of ballistic missile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Houthis have fired ballistic missiles and drones at multiple targets in Saudi Arabia since late July, including industrial and energy infrastructure. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

Sybiha said Ukraine is requesting some 300 Patriot missiles from partner countries because intelligence services estimate that Russia is holding 600 ballistic missiles in reserve and can produce up to 140 ballistic missiles per month. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

That production effort will matter as the Navy manages requirements for air defense and ballistic missile threats. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

The forecasts promised clear skies and cool air as a respite from another night of sirens, booms and ballistic missile strikes. — Steve Hendrix, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ballistic missile

• abyssal
• dismissal
• epistle
• bristle
• fissile
• gristle
• missal
• nissl
• thistle
• whistle

Kids Definition

ballistic missile

noun

: a missile that moves under its own power, is guided as it rises in a steeply curving path, and falls freely on the way back to earth