Missiles: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for guided weapons designed to be launched and directed towards a target.

• The military conducted a successful test of its new missiles.
• Missiles were launched to intercept the incoming threat.

Broad term for any object propelled through the air, often used for non-guided weapons; can be used in scientific or everyday contexts.

• The scientists studied the trajectory of the projectiles.
• The medieval army used catapults to launch heavy projectiles.

Refers to propulsion devices powered by rocket engines, often used in space exploration or as simple unguided weapons.

• The space agency launched a rocket to explore Mars.
• The guerrilla fighters used homemade rockets for their attacks.

The explosive or destructive portion of a missile, bomb, or other weapon.

• The missile's warhead is designed to detonate upon impact.
• The engineers worked on improving the accuracy of the warhead.