rocket

word

/ˈɹɑkət/
RAH-kit
/ɹˈɒkɪt/
RO-kit

Definition

A rocket is a vehicle or weapon that moves by pushing hot gas out of its back. It is commonly used for space travel, and the word can also be used as a verb meaning to move very quickly upward or forward.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly a noun: 'a rocket'. In everyday English, the verb is common in figurative uses such as 'prices rocketed' or 'sales rocketed'. Don't confuse it with 'missile': 'rocket' can mean a space vehicle too, while 'missile' is mainly a weapon.

Example Sentences

The toy rocket is red and white.

basic

The rocket went into space.

basic

They watched the rocket from the beach.

basic

Our costs have rocketed this year.

natural

The app rocketed to the top of the charts overnight.

natural

When the engines lit up, the rocket shot straight into the sky.

natural