sputnik
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.”
How to use sputnik
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe name of the first artificial satellite, now sometimes used generically for any satellite.
Word forms
sputniks plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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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