Missile

/ˈmɪs.aɪl/ · noun

Meaning

Any object used as a weapon by being thrown or fired through the air, such as stone, arrow or bullet. [from 17th c.].

Definitions by Sense

1. Any object used as a weapon by being thrown or fired through the air, such as stone, arrow or bullet. [from 17th c.]
2. (military) A self-propelled projectile whose trajectory can be adjusted after it is launched. [from 20th c.]

Example Sentences

The Rhodians, who used leaden bullets, were able to project their missiles twice as far as the Persian slingers, who used large stones.

Riot officers and police on horseback were deployed to disperse the crowns, but they came under attack from bottles, fireworks and other missiles.

And I saw askant the armies, / I saw as in noiseless dreams hundreds of battle-flags, / Borne through the smoke of the battles and pierc’d with missiles I saw them, / And carried hither and yon through the smoke, and torn and bloody, / And at last but a few shreds left on the staffs, (and all in silence,) / And the staffs all splinter’d and broken.

That missile is explosive enough to kill hundreds.

Synonyms for missile

Antonyms for missile

Related Words

Word Forms

• missiles

Usage Notes

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