noun
sputnik
SPUUT-nihk
Sputnik (noun) means any of the early Soviet artificial satellites, especially the first one launched in 1957. Example: “The launch of Sputnik in 1957 kicked off the space race.”
noun
1
Any of the early Soviet artificial satellites, especially the first one launched in 1957.
"The launch of Sputnik in 1957 kicked off the space race."
2
By extension, any artificial satellite.
"Of course, long before this reliable systems of meteorological sputniks, world-wide television sputniks, navigation sputniks, etc., will be created."
— The Contemporary (1965)
"Dozens of small sputniks now orbit the Earth."
How to use sputnik
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe name of the first artificial satellite, now sometimes used generically for any satellite.
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Word forms
- Plural
- sputniks
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The launch of _____ in 1957 kicked off the space race.
Etymology
From Russian спутник (sputnik), literally "fellow traveller" or "satellite", from a root meaning "way" or "path."
Frequently asked questions
What does “sputnik” mean?
The word “sputnik” means any of the early Soviet artificial satellites, especially the first one launched in 1957. In plain terms, the name of the first artificial satellite, now sometimes used generically for any satellite.
How do you pronounce “sputnik”?
“Sputnik” is pronounced SPUUT-nihk (/ˈspʊtnɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “sputnik” in a sentence?
Here is “sputnik” used in a sentence: “The launch of Sputnik in 1957 kicked off the space race.”
What part of speech is “sputnik”?
“Sputnik” is a noun.
Where does the word “sputnik” come from?
The word “sputnik” comes from Russian. From Russian спутник (sputnik), literally "fellow traveller" or "satellite", from a root meaning "way" or "path.".
How many meanings does “sputnik” have?
“Sputnik” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any of the early Soviet artificial satellites, especially the first one launched in 1957.
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