ballistic missile

American  

noun

Rocketry.

1. any missile that, after being launched and possibly guided during takeoff, travels unpowered in a ballistic trajectory.

---

ballistic missile British  

noun

1. a missile that has no wings or fins and that follows a ballistic trajectory when its propulsive power is discontinued

---

Etymology

Origin of ballistic missile

First recorded in 1950–55

Compare meaning

How does ballistic-missile compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cruise missile vs. ballistic missile

Example Sentences

The president needs to include in the negotiations experts on the nuclear file, Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, sanctions, maritime trade, energy and terrorism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Iran should suspend ballistic missile development, stop production of long-range missiles and end drone transfers and military exports to proxies and allies around the Middle East.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Yossi Mekelberg, a Middle East expert at London-based think-tank Chatham House, said that Iran's ballistic missile capabilities had undoubtedly been diminished compared to before the war, but its clerical leadership remained intact.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The proposal also requires Iran to halt support for regional proxies and accept strict ballistic missile limits.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

I looked down and almost shot out of the water like a ballistic missile.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• intercontinental ballistic missile
• surface-to-air missile