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.
The propulsion plant presents an especially important consideration because of its substantial weight. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026 Since Orion by itself does not have the propulsion capacity to get it to low lunar orbit, NASA is instead opting to bring on a new upper stage from ULA called the Stretch Centaur. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Electric propulsion also lets designers break up the work with multiple motors. — IEEE Spectrum, 28 Oct. 2026 The yacht is envisioned with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, enabling long-range cruising with less noise and emissions than conventional all-diesel setups. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2026 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

See All Rhymes for propulsion

Browse Nearby Words

propugnator
propulsion
propulsive
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Cite this Entry

“Propulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propulsion. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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
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