Inklingo
← Dictionary

misil

/mee-SEEL/

missile

A sleek, metallic missile flying through the air with a trail of white smoke behind it against a clear blue sky.

Un misil es un proyectil autopropulsado.

misil(noun)

mB1

missile

?

a self-propelled weapon

Also:

rocket

?

when referring to a projectile weapon

📝 In Action

El barco lanzó un misil de prueba al océano.

B1

The ship launched a test missile into the ocean.

El sistema de defensa puede detectar un misil a gran distancia.

B2

The defense system can detect a missile from a long distance.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • proyectil (projectile)
  • cohete (rocket)

Common Collocations

  • misil teledirigido – guided missile
  • lanzamiento de misil – missile launch
  • escudo antimisiles – missile shield

💡 Grammar Points

Making it Plural

Since this word ends in a consonant (l), you add '-es' to make it plural: 'los misiles'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Misil vs. Cohete

Mistake: "Using 'misil' for a space rocket."

Correction: Use 'cohete' for space exploration or fireworks. 'Misil' is specifically used for weapons.

⭐ Usage Tips

Gender Tip

This is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

A soccer ball moving so fast it has motion lines behind it, heading straight into the corner of a goal net.

En los deportes, un misil es un tiro muy potente y rápido.

misil(noun)

mC1

rocket

?

a very fast or powerful shot in sports

,

bolt

?

something moving very quickly

📝 In Action

El delantero marcó un gol con un misil desde fuera del área.

C1

The forward scored a goal with a rocket from outside the box.

Ese coche pasó por la calle como un misil.

B2

That car flew down the street like a bolt of lightning.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cañonazo (cannon shot / powerful kick)
  • centella (spark / flash of speed)

Common Collocations

  • lanzar un misil – to kick/throw something very hard

⭐ Usage Tips

Figurative Use

Use this when you want to emphasize the speed and power of an object, especially a ball in soccer or tennis.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: misil

Question 1 of 2

How do you say 'The missiles' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

misilístico(missile-related) - adjective
lanzamisiles(missile launcher) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'misil' used for space travel?

Not usually. In Spanish, we use 'cohete' for space exploration. 'Misil' almost always refers to a weapon or figuratively to something moving fast.

Is it 'el misil' or 'la misil'?

It is always masculine: 'el misil'.