rocket

The word “rocket” means a vehicle or projectile driven by expelling burning gas, used to launch spacecraft, missiles, or fireworks. In plain terms, a projectile or engine that launches by burning fuel, or (informally) to shoot upward fast; also a leafy salad green in British English.

“Rocket” is pronounced ROK-iht (/ˈɹɑk.ɪt/ in IPA).

Here is “rocket” used in a sentence: “The rocket lifted off the launch pad in a cloud of smoke.”

Depending on how it is used, “rocket” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “rocket” comes from Italian. From Italian rocchetta, "little spindle," because early rockets resembled a bobbin of thread.

“Rocket” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Rocket” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a vehicle or projectile driven by expelling burning gas, used to launch spacecraft, missiles, or fireworks.

A rocket is a vehicle or projectile driven forward by expelling burning gas, and it may be unguided. A missile is a weapon designed to strike a target and is usually guided, though it is often rocket-powered.

A rocket is the propulsion system that provides the thrust to launch something into space. A spacecraft is the vehicle that carries the crew, satellite, or payload; the rocket lifts it off the ground and is often discarded afterwards.

Use 'rocket' as a verb when something rises, increases, or moves very quickly and suddenly, as in 'house prices rocketed' or 'she rocketed to fame.' It stresses a fast, dramatic upward change.