propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən How to pronounce propulsion (audio)
1
: the action or process of propelling
2
: something that propels

Examples of propulsion in a Sentence

Sailboats use wind as their source of propulsion.
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.
How the missile reportedly works According to open-source assessments and US intelligence reports, the Burevestnik uses a conventional booster to reach cruising altitude before switching to nuclear propulsion. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025 Since the fuel is nuclear, this means that Skyfall has an indefinite range – certainly not unlimited – until the propulsion mechanism fails. David Szondy october 26, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025 If the contactor opens when the vehicle is in drive, the driver will lose the ability to apply torque using the accelerator pedal, resulting in a loss of propulsion—which may increase the risk of a collision. PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 2025 French filmmaker David Moreau’s MadS is in some ways the platonic ideal of the one-shot film, using the lack of cuts to create a sense of propulsion and relentlessness that mirrors its characters’ descent into hell. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propulsion

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin prōpulsiōn-, prōpulsiō "action of driving out or urging on," derivative, with the suffix of verbal action -tiōn-, -tiō, of Latin propellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward" (with -s- from past participle and verbal noun prōpulsus) — more at propel

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of propulsion was in 1627

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Propulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propulsion. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

propulsion

noun
pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən How to pronounce propulsion (audio)
1
: the action or process of propelling
2
: something that propels
propulsive
-ˈpəl-siv
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on propulsion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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