English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

ballistics

buh-LIHST-ihks
Quiz me More like this

Ballistics (noun) means the scientific study of how projectiles like bullets or rockets move through the air. Example: “Forensic ballistics helped police match the bullet to the gun.”

noun
1
The scientific study of how projectiles like bullets or rockets move through the air.
"Forensic ballistics helped police match the bullet to the gun."
"The course covers the ballistics of long-range rifle shots."

How to use ballistics

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe science of how fired or thrown objects travel and behave.

Common pairings
forensic ballistics ballistics expert ballistics report
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like ballistics.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Test yourself on “ballistics” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Forensic _____ helped police match the bullet to the gun.

Etymology

Built from ballista (a stone-throwing siege engine) plus the -ics ending used for fields of study.

ballistic trajectory

Rhymes for ballistics

See all rhymes for ballistics →

Frequently asked questions

What does “ballistics” mean?
The word “ballistics” means the scientific study of how projectiles like bullets or rockets move through the air. In plain terms, the science of how fired or thrown objects travel and behave.
How do you pronounce “ballistics”?
“Ballistics” is pronounced buh-LIHST-ihks (/bəˈlɪst.ɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “ballistics” in a sentence?
Here is “ballistics” used in a sentence: “Forensic ballistics helped police match the bullet to the gun.”
What part of speech is “ballistics”?
“Ballistics” is a noun.