C1noun3K

Missile

UK /["/ˈmɪsaɪl/"]/US /["/ˈmɪsl/"]/

Definition

a weapon that is sent through the air and that explodes when it hits the thing that it is aimed at

In simple words: A weapon that is launched and can move quickly towards a target.

Examples

  • nuclear missiles
  • a **missile base/site**
  • Missiles fell on the city.
  • missiles targeting the capital
  • strategic missiles deployed in sparsely populated desert areas
  • Missiles including stones and bottles were thrown at the police.
  • Another missile flew through the air.
  • They pelted her with eggs and various other missiles.
  • a crowd of youths armed with missiles that included petrol bombs

Usage notes

Used in discussions about military technology. May sound formal in casual conversations; suitable in news reports or academic texts, but less so in everyday chats.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'miss-sail,' a fast ship aiming for a target.

Collocations

  • long-range
  • medium-range
  • short-range
  • be armed with
  • carry
  • aim
  • fly
  • destroy something
  • hit something
  • base
  • site
  • attack
  • hurl
  • pelt somebody with
  • throw
  • hit somebody/​something
  • strike somebody/​something

Synonyms

  • projectile

Antonyms

  • defense
  • shield
  • protection

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'missile' with 'missal' (a book of prayers).
  • Using 'missile' to describe any thrown object, instead of its specific meaning.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'miss-ile' instead of 'miss-uhl'.