noun
missile
MISS-ul/ˈmɪsl/
An object launched or thrown at a target as a weapon.
A streamlined missile with fins rests on a museum display stand.
Etymology
The pieces express “capable of being thrown,” originally describing a weapon such as a dart or javelin. The adjective became a noun for the weapon itself, later extending to self-propelled projectiles.
In context
once the missiles launched the seals keep the terrorists pinned down until the tomahawk arrives toward the target at 550 miles per hour GPS satellites download the coordinates to the missile and the tomahawk locks in on the exact location
More examples
- The ship launches a missile at the enemy vessel.
- The attackers throw stones as missiles at the guards.
- The defense system tracks incoming missiles.
Forms
missile · missiles
Similar words
- projectile
- Includes propelled objects that are not used as weapons.
- rocket
- Specifies propulsion by a rocket engine, not necessarily a weapon.