rocket
ROK-iht
Rocket (noun) means a vehicle or projectile driven by expelling burning gas, used to launch spacecraft, missiles, or fireworks. Example: “Schoolchildren watched the model rocket shoot into the sky and then float back down.”
noun
1
A vehicle or projectile driven by expelling burning gas, used to launch spacecraft, missiles, or fireworks.
"Schoolchildren watched the model rocket shoot into the sky and then float back down."
"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.
"I bought a bag of rocket to put on top of the pizza."
"The sandwich had cheese, tomato and fresh rocket in a crusty roll."
"She added a handful of rocket to the pasta salad."
verb
1
To rise, increase, or move very quickly and suddenly.
"After the advert went online, sales of the little shop rocketed within days."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- rockets
- Third person singular
- rockets
- Past tense
- rocketed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Schoolchildren watched the model _____ shoot into the sky and then float back down.
Etymology
From Italian rocchetta, "little spindle," because early rockets resembled a bobbin of thread.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for rocket
See all rhymes for rocket →Frequently asked questions
What does “rocket” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “rocket”?
“Rocket” is pronounced ROK-iht (/ˈɹɑk.ɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “rocket” in a sentence?
Here is “rocket” used in a sentence: “The rocket lifted off the launch pad in a cloud of smoke.”
What part of speech is “rocket”?
Depending on how it is used, “rocket” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rocket” come from?
The word “rocket” comes from Italian. From Italian rocchetta, "little spindle," because early rockets resembled a bobbin of thread.
Is “rocket” a common word?
“Rocket” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “rocket” have?
“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.
What is the difference between a rocket and a missile?
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.
What is the difference between a rocket and a spacecraft?
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.
When do you use 'rocket' as a verb?
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.
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