# missile

/ˈmɪsəɫ/ (US) · /mˈɪsaɪl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/missile
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. thrown object

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

any object, like a stone or a bottle, that is thrown at someone to hurt them.

For teachers: any object thrown or projected as a weapon. In legal or formal reporting, this often refers to improvised objects used during civil unrest.

- The protesters began throwing stones and other missiles at the line of police.
- The crowd was warned that anyone seen launching missiles at the security forces would be detained immediately.

Usage: Usually refers to improvised weapons in a riot or protest context.

Teaching tip: This sense is more common in formal police reports or news coverage of protests than in everyday conversation.

## Examples

- The ship fired a missile at the target.
- Military experts are worried about the new long-range missile that can reach other continents.
- The treaty aims to limit the proliferation of ballistic missile technology, which has significantly altered the strategic balance of power in the region over the last decade.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.