propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: the action or process of propelling

2

: something that propels

Examples of propulsion in a Sentence

Sailboats use wind as their source of propulsion.

Recent Examples on the Web

The research team identified specific propulsion mechanisms by analyzing the complex, turbulent water patterns generated by a dolphin’s tail. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 May 2026

The team hopes to apply these insights into the mechanics of underwater propulsion to the design of faster and more efficient underwater robots. —ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026

To top it off, the X-Shinobi yachts are equipped with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion systems, ensuring a quiet and fume-free cruising experience for guests while helping to reduce the environmental impact of marine tourism. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 May 2026

Naturally, there are plenty of other major factors that will determine how long astronauts will have to spend to get to Mars, from propulsion methods and fuel capacity to the total mass of the payload. —Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin prōpulsiōn-, prōpulsiō "action of driving out or urging on," derivative, with the suffix of verbal action -tiōn-, -tiō, of Latin propellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward" (with -s- from past participle and verbal noun prōpulsus) — more at propel

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing propulsion

• jet propulsion
• self-propulsion

Rhymes for propulsion

• avulsion
• compulsion
• convulsion
• emulsion
• expulsion
• impulsion
• repulsion
• revulsion
• microemulsion

Kids Definition

propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: the action or process of propelling

2

: something that propels

propulsive

-ˈpəl-siv

adjective