rockets

Noun

rocket (plural rockets)

1. A cylindrical projectile that can be fired to a great height through combustion, (specifically) a type of firework of this form, typically exploding with light and colour; a skyrocket.
2. A blunt lance head used in jousting.
3. A long vehicle or craft propelled by a rocket engine; a missile or rocket-propelled spacecraft.
   • As Elon Musk returns his focus to his businesses, one of his most important companies just had another setback: A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded in an immense fireball Wednesday during a routine ground test.2025 June 19, Hadas Gold, Jackie Wattles, “Elon Musk’s SpaceX rockets keep blowing up at the worst possible time”, in CNN Business, archived from the original on 02 Jul 2025
4. An engine operating similarly to the pyrotechnic, generating thrust by the expulsion of hot gases; a rocket engine.
5. (figuratively) Something that travels high in the air or with great speed; especially (sport), a hard shot.
   • Fernandinho launched a rocket that flew just over. Gundogan's shot hit off Sviatchenko and Gordon and went out. City pressed and pressed.2016 September 28, Tom English, “Celtic 3–3 Manchester City”, in BBC Sport, BBC Sport, archived from the original on 10 Oct 2016
6. (UK, figuratively, slang) A severe reprimand; a telling-off.
   • The Burmese nurse who'd gone with her was crying, for which she'd no doubt get a rocket from matron.1973, Elizabeth Mavor, A Green Equinox, Virago, published 2023, page 93

See all 18 meanings of rocket