# rocket

/ˈɹɑkət/ (US) · /ɹˈɒkɪt/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. space vehicle

noun · CEFR B1

a powerful vehicle used to travel into space or to carry satellites.

For teachers: a vehicle or device propelled by the ejection of burning exhaust gases, used for space flight or as a weapon.

- The rocket launched from the desert and reached orbit in just a few minutes.
- Engineers spent years developing the heavy-lift rocket capable of transporting essential supplies to the lunar gateway station.

### 2. firework

noun · CEFR B1

a type of firework that shoots high into the air and explodes.

For teachers: a pyrotechnic device that ascends into the air before exploding for visual effect.

- We stood in the garden and watched the rockets explode in bright colors.
- The display concluded with a barrage of rockets that illuminated the entire harbour in shimmering gold and red.

### 3. salad leaf

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a green leaf with a strong, peppery taste used in salads.

For teachers: an edible Mediterranean plant of the mustard family, often used as a salad green.

- I made a simple salad with fresh rocket, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- The chef recommended a bed of peppery rocket to balance the richness of the grilled goat cheese.

Usage: Commonly called 'arugula' in American English.

### 4. a reprimand

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Informal

a very strong or angry scolding.

For teachers: a severe reprimand or scolding from a person in authority.

- The manager gave him a real rocket for being late three days in a row.
- After the disastrous quarterly results, the department head received a rocket from the board of directors during the morning briefing.

### 5. to increase quickly

verb · CEFR B2

to rise or increase very fast, like prices or a person's success.

For teachers: to increase, rise, or progress at an extremely rapid pace.

- House prices in this neighborhood have rocketed over the last two years.
- The young actor's career rocketed after her performance in the independent film won several international awards.

## Examples

- The rocket launched into space this morning.
- Engineers spent years designing the rocket to ensure it could carry the heavy satellite into the correct orbit.
- The development of liquid-fueled rocket technology during the mid-twentieth century fundamentally altered the landscape of both international diplomacy and scientific exploration.

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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.