missile

Everyday

1. A weapon that flies through the air towards a target, often powered by a rocket and carrying explosives. tree →
2. Any object that is thrown at someone or something, like a stone or a bottle. tree →

In the lessons

In history and news it is a weapon of war («missile attack»). In school safety rules: «Do not throw stones or other missiles» — anything thrown can hurt someone. Related words: rocket, launch, target.

Examples

• The army fired a missile at the enemy ship. tree →
• The news showed missiles being launched. tree →
• Throwing stones is dangerous; they become missiles. tree →
• Fans threw missiles onto the pitch and the match stopped. tree →
• A missile can travel hundreds of miles. tree →
• The castle defenders threw missiles from the walls. tree →
• Thinking it would make a fine missile, one of the boys took hold of it and threw it with all his strength at Pinocchio’s head. tree →

Note

Said «MISS-ile» (UK) or «MISS-ul» (US). Countable: a missile, missiles. A «rocket» can carry people into space or be a firework; a «missile» is a weapon or thrown object.