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.

This has been tried before … The MMX spacecraft rode into orbit atop a 207-foot-tall (63-meter) H3 rocket, Japan’s flagship launch vehicle. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 SpaceX, which was the first to cinch a lunar landing contract in 2021, intends to use its gargantuan Starship launch vehicle — which is under development but recently completed its first orbital test flight. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 As the first-ever launch vehicle and spacecraft designed for full reusability, Starship's fuel constraints require that its tanks be topped off in order to fly beyond LEO. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2026 If successful, Musk said, the attempt would mark the first time in history an orbital launch vehicle has been fully recovered. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026 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

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Browse Nearby Words

launchpad

launch vehicle

launch window

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Style

“Launch vehicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launch%20vehicle. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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launch vehicle

noun

Examples of launch vehicle in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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