# projectile

/pɹəˈdʒɛktaɪɫ/ (US) · /pɹədʒˈɛktaɪl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/projectile
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

an object that is thrown or shot through the air with force. It can be anything from a ball to a bullet.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used as a modifier in the phrase 'projectile vomiting' to describe a forceful medical symptom.

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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.