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.
Ars Video Although engineers from NASA and Boeing have worked through more than 70 percent of the observations and anomalies that occurred during Starliner's flight, the propulsion system issues remain unresolved. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025 The task was to find a trajectory to the moon for a small spacecraft released from NASA's space shuttle that used low thrust solar electric propulsion from Xenon ion engines. — Leonard David, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2025 There were also ongoing issues with helium leaks in Starliner’s propulsion system. — NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025 Other options could include stockpiling during peacetime critical components needed for shipbuilding, such as propeller shafts or nuclear propulsion components; in the event of war,the U.S. Navy could draw from these supplies to speed construction. — Stephen Biddle, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2025 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

Rhymes for propulsion

See All Rhymes for propulsion

Browse Nearby Words

propugnator
propulsion
propulsive
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Cite this Entry

“Propulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propulsion. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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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

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