sputnik

[ spoot-nik, spuht-; Russian spoot-nyik ]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letter) any of a series of Soviet earth-orbiting satellites:

   Sputnik I was the world's first space satellite.

Sputnik

/ ˈspʌt-; ˈspʊtnɪk /

noun

1. any of a series of unmanned Soviet satellites, Sputnik 1 (launched in 1957) being the first man-made satellite to orbit the earth

Word History and Origins

Origin of sputnik¹

1957; < Russian spútnik satellite, traveling companion, equivalent to s- together, with + put’ way, route + -nik agent suffix ( -nik )

Word History and Origins

Origin of sputnik¹

C20: from Russian, literally: fellow traveller, from s- with + put path + -nik suffix indicating agent

Example Sentences

With his trademark delivery - unhurried and calm - he informed viewers of the first sputnik in space, and delivered the communiqués of the Communist Party.

From BBC

This guy's not as imposing as a sputnik, but just as many bulbs.

From Salon

A “sputnik chandelier” hangs over the dining room table while a breakfast nook adjoining the kitchen has a Formica-topped dinette table and curtains with a starburst pattern.

From Seattle Times

The Soviets called it sputnik, meaning simply "satellite" or "fellow traveler."

From Time

The Met’s crystal chandeliers, which have come to be called “sputniks” for their space-age starburst design, are among the most popular features of the theater.

From New York Times