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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But this time around, one of the Starship's methane-burning Raptor engines was successfully restarted in space to demonstrate the propulsion system's ability to perform critical maneuvers and future de-orbit burns. —William Harwood, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2024 The problem came to light after a customer complained about a 2024 Cybertruck’s sudden loss of propulsion in late July, and the company has identified five warranty claims that may be related to the defect, the traffic safety administration said. —Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 18 Nov. 2024 While legs may not be the most efficient means of underwater propulsion, this versatility opens up new possibilities for the robot's applications. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 5 Nov. 2024 Grand Tour is a little like these men and their machine: a deliberately ramshackle work made more captivating through its lack of conventional modes of propulsion and meaning. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for propulsion 

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

Phrases Containing propulsion

Dictionary Entries Near propulsion

propugnator

propulsion

propulsive

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Propulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propulsion. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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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

Nglish: Translation of propulsion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of propulsion for Arabic Speakers

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