missiles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missiles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to guided weapons or projectiles designed to be launched at targets. Example: "The military conducted a successful test of their new long-range missiles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, a South Korean defence official said separately that North Korea could develop a fully operational submarine with ballistic missiles within two or three years.

The Guardian

It is believed to have launched a long-range rocket and put an object into orbit in December 2012, defying scepticism and international warnings not to pursue such a programme, which could be used to develop intercontinental missiles.

The Guardian

Iran: Putin insisted lifting a five-year embargo on the delivery of air defence missiles to Iran did not undermine international sanctions since the Russian ban was voluntary.

The Guardian

She explained that the sortie began with military precision around 9pm on Monday, that all of those who attacked their homes were wearing surgical gloves, masks and combat uniforms, that they arrived with wheelie bins stuffed with bricks, bottles and other missiles, and that the entire attack appeared to be well organised.

The Guardian

Filiu points to what the west did in Afghanistan in the 1980s: delivering Stinger missiles to the mujahideen, which allowed them to win.

The Guardian - Opinion

They might have put a brave face on things, but being a target for mass booing and urine-filled missiles must have been a bruising experience.

The Guardian - Music

Passengers complained that the pop stars bombarded them with food and missiles.

The Guardian

Russia says it accepts US denials over supplying Stinger missiles to Syrian rebels but claimed it was co-ordinating weapon supplies and providing logistical support, RIA Novosti reports.

The Guardian

Or you can wander down to the bath-warm sea and wait for the cranes to drop like missiles as they spot their own light lunch just below the surface.

The Guardian - Travel

Cruisewatch and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) augmented the Greenham women's vigilance and tracked the missiles as they were taken on manoeuvres around English country lanes.

The Guardian

David Cameron told the BBC that Sturgeon had made "a series of ransom demands" which would threaten Britain's defences by allegedly linking support for Labour with scrapping the new generation of Trident missiles.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about military conflicts or defense strategies, use "missiles" to specifically refer to self-propelled guided weapons. Be mindful of the context; consider more general terms like "projectiles" when the specific guidance system isn't relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "missiles" as a synonym for all types of projectiles. The term implies a level of sophistication and guidance that isn't present in simpler weapons like rocks or bullets.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "missiles" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple guided or unguided self-propelled weapons. As Ludwig AI points out, the word is used to describe objects designed to be launched at targets, consistent with the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "missiles" functions primarily as a plural noun denoting guided or unguided projectiles, commonly employed in military or strategic discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly within the news and media domain. While generally neutral in tone, its deployment often carries implications of conflict, technology, or defense capabilities. Related terms include "rockets", "projectiles", and "guided projectiles", offering nuanced alternatives based on context and specificity. When employing the term "missiles", it's crucial to avoid overgeneralization and maintain accuracy, as it is specific to self-propelled guided weapons. Authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The Economist frequently utilize the term, reflecting its relevance in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

projectiles

A very general term for any object thrown or propelled.

rockets

A more general term, encompassing a broader range of projectiles propelled by engines.

ballistic weapons

Highlights the trajectory and type of weapon delivery.

guided projectiles

Emphasizes the guided nature and accuracy of the projectile.

artillery shells

Specifically refers to projectiles fired from artillery pieces.

ordnance

A collective term for military weaponry, including projectiles.

smart bombs

Guided bombs with high precision targeting.

nuclear warheads

Refers specifically to the explosive payload delivered by some missiles.

torpedoes

Underwater projectiles.

bombs

Explosive devices dropped from aircraft.

FAQs

How are "missiles" used in military contexts?

In military contexts, "missiles" are crucial for strategic offense and defense, often designed with guidance systems for precision targeting. Their role ranges from intercepting enemy threats to striking distant targets, making them a key component of modern warfare.

What are some common types of "missiles"?

Common types include ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles. Each type varies in range, propulsion, and purpose, tailored for specific combat scenarios.

When is it more appropriate to use "projectiles" instead of "missiles"?

"Projectiles" is suitable when discussing objects launched without guidance systems, such as in historical warfare or basic physics examples. For instance, when talking about ancient siege weapons, "projectiles" is more fitting than "missiles".

What are the key differences between a "missile" and a "rocket"?

While both are propelled, "missiles" typically have guidance systems to reach a specific target, whereas "rockets" may not. Therefore, a missile is a rocket with a guidance system.