launch vehicle

noun

: a rocket used to launch a satellite or spacecraft

Examples of launch vehicle in a Sentence

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.
The event also drew questions on the status of Europe's launch vehicles. Andrew Jones, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025 The company's work on Electron shows there remains a solid amount of demand for a reliable small launch vehicle and that Rocket Lab is continuing to improve its operations practices. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 7 Jan. 2025 Named after John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, New Glenn is a 320-foot heavy-lift launch vehicle that rivals SpaceX's 400-foot Starship in size. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 New Glenn Today's launch comes after 15 years of development and setbacks as Blue Origin worked to develop a semi-reusable heavy-lift launch vehicle that could rival companies like SpaceX and United Launch Alliance for commercial and military space contracts. David Szondy, New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for launch vehicle 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of launch vehicle was circa 1960

Dictionary Entries Near launch vehicle

Cite this Entry

“Launch vehicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launch%20vehicle. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on launch vehicle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!