missile
MIHS-yl
Missile (noun) means a self-propelled, guided weapon that flies to its target. Example: “A retired missile stands outside the museum as part of its history display.”
noun
1
A self-propelled, guided weapon that flies to its target.
"A retired missile stands outside the museum as part of its history display."
"The military tested a new long-range missile."
"The missile struck the target with pinpoint accuracy."
2
Any object thrown or fired at someone as a weapon.
"The children turned snowballs into harmless missiles during their playground game."
"Someone threw a paper plane, an unlikely missile, across the quiet classroom."
"Protesters hurled bottles and other missiles at the police line."
How to use missile
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA weapon (usually rocket-powered and guided) that is launched at a target, or more loosely, anything thrown as a projectile.
Common pairings
guided missile
launch a missile
ballistic missile
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Word forms
- Plural
- missiles
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A retired _____ stands outside the museum as part of its history display.
Etymology
From Latin missile, "something thrown," from mittere, "to send."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for missile
See all rhymes for missile →Frequently asked questions
What does “missile” mean?
The word “missile” means a self-propelled, guided weapon that flies to its target. In plain terms, a weapon (usually rocket-powered and guided) that is launched at a target, or more loosely, anything thrown as a projectile.
How do you pronounce “missile”?
“Missile” is pronounced MIHS-yl (/ˈmɪs.(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “missile” in a sentence?
Here is “missile” used in a sentence: “The military tested a new long-range missile.”
What is the opposite of “missile”?
The opposite of “missile” — its antonyms — is nonmissile.
What part of speech is “missile”?
“Missile” is a noun.
Where does the word “missile” come from?
The word “missile” comes from Latin. From Latin missile, "something thrown," from mittere, "to send.".
Is “missile” a common word?
“Missile” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “missile” have?
“Missile” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a self-propelled, guided weapon that flies to its target.
What is the difference between a "missile" and a "rocket"?
A "rocket" is propelled by burning fuel and may or may not be guided; rockets also launch satellites and spacecraft. A "missile," in the weapon sense, is a self-propelled, guided weapon designed to fly to a target.
What is the difference between a "missile" and a "projectile"?
A "projectile" is any object propelled through the air, including a thrown stone or a fired bullet. A "missile" can mean the same thrown or fired object, but it also commonly refers to a modern self-propelled, guided weapon.
What is the difference between a "missile" and a "bomb"?
A "bomb" is typically dropped or placed and relies on gravity or a timer, with no propulsion of its own. A "missile" propels and often guides itself toward its target.
Can "missile" refer to something other than a weapon of war?
Yes, in a broader sense a "missile" is any object thrown or fired at someone as a weapon, such as a stone or bottle hurled in a crowd. This general sense is not limited to warfare.
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