Word
Definitions
01guided weapon
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science Technical
n. a powerful weapon that has its own motor and can be steered to hit a target from a long distance.
n. a self-propelled, guided projectile weapon designed to deliver an explosive warhead to a specific target.
日本語:ミサイル※
“The ship was equipped with a new system to stop incoming missiles.”
“The military successfully tested a long-range missile capable of adjusting its trajectory mid-flight to avoid detection by radar systems.”
Synonyms
02thrown object
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. any object that is thrown at someone with the intention of hitting or hurting them.
n. any object, such as a stone or bottle, used as a weapon by being thrown or projected through the air.
“Protesters began throwing stones and other missiles at the line of police.”
“The crowd was warned that anyone seen launching missiles at the stage would be immediately removed from the stadium by security.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “missile” in context.
Verb
01. deploy a missile
“The government plans to deploy a missile defense shield along the northern border.”
verb + noun
02. intercept a missile
“The defense system successfully managed to intercept a missile before it reached the city.”
verb + noun
03. launch a missile
“The military decided to launch a missile from the submarine as part of the exercise.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. ballistic missile
“The treaty aims to limit the proliferation of long-range ballistic missile technology.”
adj + noun
05. guided missile
“Modern warfare relies heavily on the precision of the guided missile.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. barrage of missiles
“The coastal battery was overwhelmed by a relentless barrage of missiles.”
noun + of + noun
07. missile silo
“The abandoned missile silo was converted into a high-security underground bunker.”
noun + noun
08. missile strike
“The intelligence agency confirmed that a missile strike had destroyed the insurgent camp.”
noun + noun
Real-World Examples
“Russia has held command of the air throughout its war in Ukraine, unleashing glide bombs, long-range drones and missiles.” “On Wednesday, North Korea fired a ballistic missile towards the sea off the Korean Peninsula’s east coast, just six days after firing another missile.” “Moscow launched at least 429 missiles in July , more than double the number in June, and many struck Kyiv.” Etymology
From Latin missile (“thrown weapon, projectile”), neuter of missilis (“throwable, capable of being thrown”), from mittere (“to send”). From 1611. Compare Middle French missile (“projectile”), from 1636.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/missile
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「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR