Word
projectile
Phoneticspro·jec·tile, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹəˈdʒɛktaɪɫ/
UK/pɹədʒˈɛktaɪl/
Countable noun
Definition
n. an object that is thrown or shot through the air with force. It can be anything from a ball to a bullet.
n. an object propelled through space by the application of an external force, continuing in motion by its own inertia. Often used in technical contexts to describe missiles, shells, or objects in ballistic flight.
Examples
“The stone became a projectile when he threw it.”
“Safety goggles are required in the lab to protect your eyes from any stray projectile during the experiment.”
“In physics, the path of a projectile is determined by its initial velocity and the influence of gravity, resulting in a predictable parabolic trajectory when air resistance is negligible.”
Examples
simple
“The stone became a projectile when he threw it.”
contextual
“Safety goggles are required in the lab to protect your eyes from any stray projectile during the experiment.”
complex
“In physics, the path of a projectile is determined by its initial velocity and the influence of gravity, resulting in a predictable parabolic trajectory when air resistance is negligible.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “projectile” in context.
Usage
Commonly used as a modifier in the phrase 'projectile vomiting' to describe a forceful medical symptom.
Real-World Examples
“UN peacekeeping force recorded an average of 137 projectiles fired daily in the region over the last two weeks.” “The activity marks a sharp escalation from the previous weekend, when 113 projectiles – then the highest daily count since 21 June – had been recorded.” Etymology
From Medieval Latin prōiectilis (“projectile”), from Latin prōiectus, perfect passive participle of prōiciō (“throw forth; extend; expel”).
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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/projectile