thruster

noun

thrust·​er ˈthrə-stər How to pronounce thruster (audio)
variants or less commonly thrustor
: one that thrusts
especially : an engine (such as a jet engine) that develops thrust by expelling a jet of fluid or a stream of particles

Examples of thruster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Dragon is due to undock at about 12:05 p.m. ET Thursday, May 22, from the Harmony module before firing its thrusters to move away from the station. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 May 2025 The main concern revolved around the spacecraft's roll thrusters, which ensure its antenna remains pointed at Earth. Scott Neuman, NPR, 20 May 2025 Essentially, there are four thruster systems on the spacecraft. David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 May 2025 For the last 21 years, backup roll thrusters have been used. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for thruster

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thruster was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

“Thruster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thruster. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

thruster

noun
thrust·​er ˈthrəs-tər How to pronounce thruster (audio)
: one that thrusts
especially : an engine that produces thrust by discharging a jet of fluid or a stream of particles

More from Merriam-Webster on thruster

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