noun
rocket
ROK-iht
noun
1
A vehicle or projectile driven by expelling burning gas, used to launch spacecraft, missiles, or fireworks.
"The rocket lifted off the launch pad in a cloud of smoke."
"Fans set off rockets to celebrate the new year."
2
(UK) A peppery salad leaf, known as arugula in American English.
"She added a handful of rocket to the pasta salad."
verb
1
To rise, increase, or move very quickly and suddenly.
"House prices rocketed after the new train line opened."
"Her career rocketed after the film's release."
How to Use Rocket
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA projectile or engine that launches by burning fuel, or (informally) to shoot upward fast; also a leafy salad green in British English.
UK vs US
The salad leaf is called "rocket" in the UK and "arugula" in the US.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
rocket science
rocket launch
prices rocketed
Word Forms
rocketed past tense, rockets plural, rockets plural, rockets singular
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The _____ lifted off the launch pad in a cloud of smoke.
Etymology
From Italian rocchetta, "little spindle," because early rockets resembled a bobbin of thread.