space shuttle

noun

: a reusable spacecraft designed to transport people and cargo between earth and space

Examples of space shuttle 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.
Ride spent six days in orbit on the space shuttle Challenger and became a national hero. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 June 2026 The first Canadarm made its debut flight on the second space shuttle mission in 1981. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 12 June 2026 There was not a lot of demand after the space shuttle program was canceled in 2011, and there was very limited supply due to strict environmental regulations. — Diana Olick, CNBC, 17 June 2026 Edwards Air Force Base is historically used as a testing site, not just for Air Force planes, but for other aircraft, helicopters, drones — and even space shuttles — because of its long runways. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for space shuttle

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of space shuttle was in 1950

Rhymes for space shuttle

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Browse Nearby Words

spaceship
space shuttle
space stage
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Cite this Entry

“Space shuttle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/space%20shuttle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

space shuttle

noun
: a spacecraft designed to transport people and cargo between earth and space that can be used repeatedly

More from Merriam-Webster on space shuttle

Nglish: Translation of space shuttle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about space shuttle

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