propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən How to pronounce propulsion (audio)
1
: the action or process of propelling
2
: something that propels

Examples of propulsion in a Sentence

Sailboats use wind as their source of propulsion.
Recent Examples on the Web Photo : Ascendance Ascendance Atea Unlike the almost exclusive full-electric eVTOL air taxis, the Atea is a hybrid-electric VTOL equipped with a full megawatt propulsion system known as Sterna to reduce emissions by 40 percent and achieve net-zero pollution in flight. Dan Sloat, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2024 The Astrobotic Peregrine lander launched by United Launch Alliance last month was also a contender for this achievement before a malfunction in the lander’s propulsion system left it unable to reach the Moon. Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 15 Feb. 2024 This could be a dealbreaker for road warriors who rely on a propulsion design to propel them forward. Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2024 The funding will be used to manufacture the first Zephyr rocket, establish the vehicle’s assembly line, complete electrical, propulsion, and fluidic systems and structural tests, bring the company’s test center online, and recruit new talent. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 26 Jan. 2024 On top of that, the newcomer is equipped with an electric propulsion system that enables quiet, emissions-free cruising. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024 These challenges include addressing environmental concerns by developing propulsion systems that produce no harmful emissions. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2024 Its landing attempt, however, was thwarted by a problem with the spacecraft’s propulsion system that prevented it from reaching the moon. Christian Davenport, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Despite the propulsion problem, JAXA said Thursday that the spacecraft ended up about 180 feet (55 meters) from its aim point. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'propulsion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin prōpulsiōn-, prōpulsiō "action of driving out or urging on," derivative, with the suffix of verbal action -tiōn-, -tiō, of Latin propellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward" (with -s- from past participle and verbal noun prōpulsus) — more at propel

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of propulsion was in 1627

Dictionary Entries Near propulsion

Cite this Entry

“Propulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propulsion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

propulsion

noun
pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən How to pronounce propulsion (audio)
1
: the action or process of propelling
2
: something that propels
propulsive
-ˈpəl-siv
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on propulsion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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