projectile

[ pruh-jek-til, -tahyl ]

noun

1. an object fired from a gun with an explosive propelling charge, such as a bullet, shell, rocket, or grenade.
2. a body projected or impelled forward, as through the air.

adjective

1. impelling or driving forward, as a force.
2. caused by impulse, as motion.
3. capable of being impelled forward, as a missile.
4. Zoology. protrusile, as the jaws of a fish.

projectile

/ prəˈdʒɛktaɪl /

noun

1. an object or body thrown forwards
2. any self-propelling missile, esp one powered by a rocket or the rocket itself
3. any object that can be fired from a gun, such as a bullet or shell

adjective

1. capable of being or designed to be hurled forwards
2. projecting or thrusting forwards
3. zoology another word for protrusile

Word History and Origins

Origin of projectile¹

1655–65; < New Latin, neuter of prōjectilis (adj.) projecting. See project, -ile

Word History and Origins

Origin of projectile¹

C17: from New Latin prōjectilis jutting forwards

Example Sentences

About 55 projectiles were fired by Hezbollah from Lebanon into Israel on Tuesday, according to the Israeli military.

From BBC

One salvo of at least six projectiles causes a brush fire near Zahle.

From BBC

The Israeli military identified two projectiles crossing from Lebanon and falling in an open area near Metula on Thursday morning.

From BBC

Video uploaded to social media and verified by the BBC showed projectiles in the sky over the city, while residents in some areas reported hearing loud booms.

From BBC

Backed by the U.S. and British air forces, Israel was able to intercept most of the projectiles.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrow
• bullet
• dart
• missile
• rocket
• torpedo