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 strikes come after at least three Houthi ballistic missiles were launched at Israel after the ceasefire, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) including one missile that was intercepted Saturday.
—
Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 550 drones and missiles overnight, including seven ballistic missiles.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 5 July 2025
The origins of Turkey’s present ballistic missile program go back to the 1990s when China allowed Turkey to produce its B-611 under license, giving Ankara the know-how to develop its own ballistic missiles over time.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Iran offers rising death toll Israeli airstrikes, which began June 13, decimated the upper ranks of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard and targeted its arsenal of ballistic missiles.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
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Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 550 drones and missiles overnight, including seven ballistic missiles.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 5 July 2025
The origins of Turkey’s present ballistic missile program go back to the 1990s when China allowed Turkey to produce its B-611 under license, giving Ankara the know-how to develop its own ballistic missiles over time.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Iran offers rising death toll Israeli airstrikes, which began June 13, decimated the upper ranks of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard and targeted its arsenal of ballistic missiles.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ballistic missile
Cite this Entry
“Ballistic missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballistic%20missile. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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