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 during rendezvous with the space station, the Starliner experienced propulsion system problems and NASA eventually ruled out bringing the crew down on the Boeing spacecraft. — William Harwood, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2025 At the time, Boeing had plenty of work ahead to prepare the vehicle for routine spaceflight – including more ground tests and potential modifications to remedy its propulsion system woes. — Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025 The spacecraft's propulsion system, based on liquid oxygen and methane, and designed in-house, worked beautifully. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025 When Finlay largely disappears in season two, the series loses its propulsion, because without him as a foil, as an embodiment of the other, Reacher doesn’t have a character to define himself against. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 20 Feb. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

propulsion
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Cite this Entry

“Propulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propulsion. Accessed 25 Mar. 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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