missile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a weapon designed to be launched and guided towards a target, often in military contexts. Example: "The military successfully tested a new missile designed for long-range strikes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

North Korea's recent test-firing of a ballistic missile from a submarine was "very serious and concerning", South Korea said on Monday, with one defence official suggesting Pyongyang could have a fully operational platform in two or three years.

The Guardian

Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency said on Saturday North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, oversaw the test-launch of the missile from an offshore location.

The Guardian

He said North Korea still needed time to develop additional equipment in order to make its submarine-launched missile system fully operational.

The Guardian

More clear-cut – and usually held up as the unambiguously golden part of his legacy – is Kennedy's handling of the Cuban missile crisis of 1962.

The Guardian

Although Iran had developed its own version of the missile system – unveiled for the first time last year – delivery of the S-300s will markedly upgrade its anti-aircraft missile defences at a time of increased tension in the region.

The Guardian

Satellite images show the city, a Unesco world heritage site, before and after missile strikes launched by government forces.

The Guardian

It had the chutzpah of Charlie Adam's 65-yard missile against Chelsea, the touch and technique of Wayne Rooney's swivelling volley against Aston Villa and the did-that-actually-just-happen quality of Jermain Defoe's winner for Sunderland against Newcastle United, and above all it was a gloriously subtle goal, instinct combining with a clear thought-process to devastating effect.

The Guardian - Sport

But the most lethal missile of the night came from the man who asked whether Miliband would admit that the last Labour government had overspent.

The Guardian

A Russian defence conglomerate has suggested recreating the MH17 plane crash by shooting another Boeing 777 aircraft out of the sky using a Buk missile system.

The Guardian

As Matt Ritchie's missile of a shot flashed past Chris Kirkland and soared into the top-right corner, it felt like the moment when all the pieces in the jigsaw had fallen into place for Bournemouth.

The Guardian - Sport

He described how HMS Vanguard's missile compartment doubled up as a gym, leading to potentially disastrous mishaps when seamen dropped weights near the boat's missile firing system.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use precise language to describe the capabilities and deployment of "missiles" in military or technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "missile" interchangeably with general terms like "projectile" or "rocket". "Missile" specifically implies a guided, self-propelled weapon, whereas other terms may not have this connotation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "missile" is a noun, referring to a self-propelled projectile weapon. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used to describe various types of weapons in news and technical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "missile" is a noun that denotes a self-propelled projectile weapon. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, business and scientific contexts. When using the word "missile", it's important to be precise about the type and target. While synonyms like "projectile" and "rocket" exist, "missile" specifically refers to a guided weapon. Be aware of these nuances to ensure clarity in your writing. Considering its very common usage and the confirmation by Ludwig AI, "missile" remains a reliable term for describing such weaponry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guided weapon

Emphasizes the guidance system of the weapon.

projectile

A more general term referring to any object thrown or propelled through the air.

ballistic projectile

Highlights the ballistic trajectory of the projectile.

rocket

Refers specifically to a projectile propelled by a rocket engine.

air-to-air weapon

Specifies a weapon designed for use between aircraft.

shell

Typically refers to a projectile fired from artillery.

surface-to-air weapon

Denotes a weapon launched from the ground or sea to target aircraft.

bomb

An explosive device dropped from an aircraft.

torpedo

A self-propelled underwater projectile.

artillery round

A projectile fired from a large-caliber gun.

FAQs

How is the term "missile" typically used in a sentence?

The term "missile" is commonly used as a noun to describe a self-propelled projectile weapon. For example, "The country tested a new ballistic missile" or "The airplane was struck by a missile".

What are some alternative terms I can use instead of "missile"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "projectile", "rocket", or "guided weapon".

What is the difference between a "missile" and a "rocket"?

While both "missiles" and "rockets" are projectiles, a "missile" is typically guided to its target, whereas a "rocket" may not have a guidance system. A missile is a type of "guided weapon" that uses a rocket engine for propulsion.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the word "missile"?

The word "missile" is most appropriate in military, technological, or news contexts when referring to guided, self-propelled weapons designed to strike a target. It is commonly used in discussions about defense, warfare, and international relations.