rocket

¹

[ rok-it ]

noun

1. any of various simple or complex tubelike devices containing combustibles that on being ignited liberate gases whose action propels the tube through the air: used for pyrotechnic effect, signaling, carrying a lifeline, hurling explosives at an enemy, putting a space vehicle into orbit, etc.
2. a space capsule or vehicle put into orbit by such devices.
3. rocket engine ( def ).

verb (used with object)

1. to move or transport by means of a rocket.
2. to attack with rockets.

verb (used without object)

1. to move like a rocket.
2. (of game birds) to fly straight up rapidly when flushed.

rocket

²

[ rok-it ]

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Hesperis, of the mustard family, and related genera. Compare dame's rocket ( def ).
2. Also called rocket salad,. the arugula plant, used in salads.
3. a noxious weed, Barbarea vulgaris, of the United States, having lobed leaves and clusters of small, yellow flowers.

rocket

¹

/ ˈrɒkɪt /

noun

1. Also calledarugula a Mediterranean plant, Eruca sativa , having yellowish-white flowers and leaves used as a salad: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)
2. any of several plants of the related genus Sisymbrium , esp S. irio ( London rocket ), which grow on waste ground and have pale yellow flowers
3. yellow rocket
   any of several yellow-flowered plants of the related genus Barbarea , esp B. vulgaris
4. sea rocket
   any of several plants of the related genus Cakile , esp C. maritima , which grow along the seashores of Europe and North America and have mauve, pink, or white flowers
5. dame's rocket
   another name for dame's violet

rocket

²

/ ˈrɒkɪt /

noun

1. a self-propelling device, esp a cylinder containing a mixture of solid explosives, used as a firework, distress signal, line carrier, etc
2. 1. any vehicle propelled by a rocket engine, esp one used to carry a warhead, spacecraft, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      rocket propulsion

      rocket launcher

3. informal.
   a severe reprimand (esp in the phrase get a rocket )

verb

1. tr to propel (a missile, spacecraft, etc) by means of a rocket
2. intr; foll by off, away, etc to move off at high speed
3. intr to rise rapidly

   he rocketed to the top

rocket

/ rŏk′ĭt /

1. A vehicle or device propelled by one or more rocket engines, especially such a vehicle designed to travel through space.

Other Words From

• rocket·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rocket¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Italian rocchetta, diminutive of rocca “distaff” (with reference to its shape); from Germanic

Origin of rocket²

First recorded in 1525–35; from French roquette, from Italian ruchetta, ultimately from Latin ērūca kind of herb

Word History and Origins

Origin of rocket¹

C16: from French roquette , from Italian rochetta , from Latin ērūca a caterpillar, hairy plant

Origin of rocket²

C17: from Old French roquette , from Italian rochetto a little distaff, from rocca distaff, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

Israel and Iran have fired rockets into each other’s territory in recent months amid a buildup of U.S. troops in the region.

From Los Angeles Times

He would say, "Elon with his rocket ships that land within 12 inches on the moon where they want it to land..."

From Salon

SpaceX launched its Starship rocket system on its sixth test flight Tuesday, with Donald Trump in attendance at the company’s Texas launchpad.

From Los Angeles Times

Israel’s stated goal in its war against Hezbollah is to allow the return of about 60,000 residents who have been displaced from communities in the country’s north because of Hezbollah’s rocket fire.

From BBC

The successful relaunch of Trump’s political quest has again rocketed him into the stratosphere of power.

From Salon

Related Words

• booster
• firework
• intercontinental ballistic missile
• missile
• spacecraft
• spaceship
• torpedo
• weapon