Definition of missile

The word "missile" has its roots in the 16th century. It originally referred to a sporting or hunting term, specifically the act of missing a goal or target. The word was derived from the Latin "missus," meaning "sent" or "thrown," and was used to describe an archer or hunter who had missed their mark. Over time, the term’s meaning evolved to describe any projectile or projectile-like object, including guns, rockets, and other fired weapons. In the 19th century, the term began to be used more commonly in military contexts to describe artillery shells and other explosives. Today, the term "missile" is widely used to describe a variety of projectiles, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and surface-to-air missiles.