missile

1 of 2

adjective

mis·​sile ˈmi-səl How to pronounce missile (audio)
chiefly British
-ˌsīl How to pronounce missile (audio)
Synonyms of missilenext
1
: capable of being thrown or projected to strike a distant object
2
: adapted for throwing or hurling missiles

missile

2 of 2

noun

: an object (such as a weapon) thrown or projected usually so as to strike something at a distance
stones, artillery shells, bullets, and rockets are missiles
: such as
a
: guided missile
b
: ballistic missile

Examples of missile 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.
Adjective
His neighbor is an anti-missile battery. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 They are hardened against the effects of a nuclear blast and include a range of security features, such as anti-missile countermeasures and an onboard operating room. — Jonathan J. Cooper, Fortune, 2 May 2026
Noun
Yet Iranian forces are still able to fire back, sending missiles and drones toward US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 9 July 2026 His public appeal came after Russia bombarded Kyiv with drones and missiles in another deadly attack at the start of the week. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for missile

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin missilis, from mittere to throw, send

First Known Use

Adjective

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of missile was in 1610

Phrases Containing missile

Rhymes for missile

See All Rhymes for missile

Browse Nearby Words

misshapen
missile
missileer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Missile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/missile. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

missile

noun
mis·​sile
ˈmis-əl
: an object (as a stone, arrow, artillery shell, bullet, or rocket) that is thrown, shot, or launched usually so as to strike something at a distance
Etymology

Noun

from Latin missile "a weapon that is thrown or shot rather than held in the hand," derived from missus, past participle of mittere "to send, throw" — related to emit

More from Merriam-Webster on missile

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for missile

Nglish: Translation of missile for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about missile

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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