projectiles

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "projectiles" is correct and is used in written English.
It is generally used to refer to objects which are projected or thrown, particularly those which are intended to inflict damage or destruction. For example, "The military unit fired a volley of projectiles towards enemy lines".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It did, however, contrive to make global headlines, earning the defender the nickname "Llama" in honour of the South American camelid's prodigious ability for hurling projectiles manufactured from saliva.

The Guardian - Sport

Richard and Adam impressed the judges, despite having their thunder stolen by their egg-hurling colleague, who displayed talent of her own by launching her messy projectiles accurately at the judges from some distance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Reports that President Bashar Assad's forces had fired projectiles that resembled Scud missiles reminded the world how much worse this conflict could get.A disputed presidential election result in Ghana took some of the gloss off that country's reputation as a model democracy.

The Economist

Although police forces were put off by the XREP's cost, the JNLWD is still pursuing the idea, aiming for lighter, smaller, softer projectiles that do the same job for one or multiple targets.Some of the announcement's categories suggest little more than wishful thinking.

The Economist

Groups of young men, boys really, wearing bandanas and hoodies, stand on street corners next to derelict buildings, staring at anyone passing, and occasionally throwing projectiles at cars.

The Economist

But the propellant that launches projectiles from gun barrels is not.

The Economist

Since it lacks these defects, metallic glass can support much greater loads without deformation, and is therefore much stronger than its crystalline counterpart.Todd Hufnagel of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland is working with the American army to make a metallic-glass alloy for use in armour-piercing projectiles.

The Economist

Nabang has been hit by stray projectiles fired by the Burmese army.Officials have tried to keep the refugee crisis from spilling into China.

The Economist

Carnegie was, for instance, an avowed pacifist in his early and late life but in his middle years the lure of profits enticed him to accept orders for armour, then guns and finally even "projectiles".

The Economist

Mr Feng, in his 30s, is one of China's most successful artists: his early paintings depicted video games with Mao Zedong fending off projectiles meant to look like Coca-Cola cans.

The Economist

Kinetic-energy projectiles can weigh several kilograms.Another approach is to use new materials.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about conflicts or military actions, using "projectiles" can provide a more neutral and less emotionally charged description compared to terms like "bombs" or "missiles".

Common error

Avoid using "projectiles" metaphorically when simpler words like "ideas" or "suggestions" would be more appropriate. Overusing technical terms can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "projectiles" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple objects that are forcibly propelled, such as bullets, shells, or rockets. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "projectiles" functions as a plural noun referring to launched objects, often in contexts of warfare or sports. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its register is neutral, making it suitable for various writing styles. While

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ballistic objects

Highlights the trajectory and motion of the objects.

propelled objects

Highlights the method by which the objects are moved.

launched objects

Focuses on the action of launching, broadening the scope beyond weapon-specific items.

fired rounds

Specifies ammunition fired from a weapon, emphasizing the firing action.

ammunition

Broad term relating to objects or components fired from a weapon

hurled objects

Emphasizes the force and speed of the throwing action.

flying missiles

Specifically refers to self-propelled, guided objects in flight.

artillery shells

Refers specifically to shells fired from artillery weapons.

weaponry ordnance

Focuses on military explosives.

thrown items

A general term for objects that are thrown, lacking the specific connotation of weaponry.

FAQs

How to use "projectiles" in a sentence?

You can use "projectiles" to refer to objects that are thrown or launched, such as "The soldiers fired a barrage of "shells" as "projectiles" at the enemy fort".

What are some synonyms for "projectiles"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms such as "missiles", ""shells"", or "ordnance" as alternatives for "projectiles".

Is "projectiles" a formal or informal term?

"Projectiles" is a relatively neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts when discussing launched objects, especially in military or scientific contexts.

What is the difference between "projectiles" and "missiles"?

"Projectiles" is a general term for any object launched, while "missiles" typically refers to self-propelled, guided "projectiles".