launch vehicle

noun

: a rocket used to launch a satellite or spacecraft

Examples of launch vehicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But from day one, the Ariane 6 launch vehicle will cost significantly more than the Falcon 9 rocket, which has similar capabilities, and offer no provision for reuse. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 26 June 2024 Each of the automakers are aiming to launch vehicles using Rivian’s technology during the second half of the decade. William Gavin, Quartz, 26 June 2024 The launch vehicle for this mission was changed from Northrop Grumman’s own Antares 230+ rocket to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ended engine and booster production for the Antares program. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024 This will be purely a test flight for Ariane 6, which is Europe's next-generation launch vehicle. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for launch vehicle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'launch vehicle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of launch vehicle was circa 1960

Dictionary Entries Near launch vehicle

Cite this Entry

“Launch vehicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launch%20vehicle. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on launch vehicle

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