inertial navigation

noun

variants or less commonly inertial guidance
: guidance (as of an aircraft or spacecraft) by means of self-contained automatically controlling devices that respond to inertial forces

called also inertial navigation

Examples of inertial navigation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even one of these early models could frequently overcome the jamming of satellite-navigation signals with the help of an onboard inertial navigation unit. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Mar. 2026 The missile system features an inertial navigation system (INS) and mid-course Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inertial navigation was in 1950

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inertial navigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inertial%20navigation. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster