launch vehicle

noun

: a rocket used to launch a satellite or spacecraft

Examples of launch vehicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The company specializes in building small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers and orbital vehicles. Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 12 July 2025 The next six people selected to board the launch vehicle are set to join an exclusive club of more than 60 others who have flown on the brief 11-minute missions in the last four years. Awaiting them about 60 miles above Earth? Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 June 2025 The SpaceX crane collapse followed a string of explosions and other setbacks for the company's Starship Super Heavy launch vehicle, the largest rocket ever flown, which is key to Musk's ambition to transport equipment and people to Mars. Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 26 June 2025 As head of propulsion engineering, Mueller led design and development of the engines for SpaceX’s Falcon launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft. John Hyatt, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for launch vehicle

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of launch vehicle was circa 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Launch vehicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launch%20vehicle. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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