catapult

1 of 2

noun

cat·​a·​pult ˈka-tə-ˌpəlt How to pronounce catapult (audio)
-ˌpu̇lt
Synonyms of catapult
1
: an ancient military device for hurling missiles
2
: a device for launching an airplane at flying speed (as from an aircraft carrier)

Illustration of catapult

Illustration of catapult
  • catapult 1

catapult

2 of 2

verb

catapulted; catapulting; catapults

transitive verb

: to throw or launch by or as if by a catapult

intransitive verb

: to become catapulted
he catapulted to fame

Synonyms of catapult

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Verb

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Examples of catapult in a Sentence

Verb They catapulted rocks toward the castle. The publicity catapulted her CD to the top of the charts. The novel catapulted him from unknown to best-selling author. He catapulted to fame after his first book was published. Her career was catapulting ahead.
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.
Noun
There’s quite some excitement around streaming as HBO Max and Paramount+ catapult to top-tier status, but little clarity still on structure, strategy or pricing. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 As technology catapults forward, the hope is that the university will be preparing future leaders for a fast-changing world and accelerating research. — Susan Svrluga, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
Madonna sealed the collection’s fame by wearing one of its standout looks to that year’s MTV Video Music Awards, catapulting the charismatic Ford onto the international stage and propelling Gucci to extraordinary commercial success. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 The 32-year-old actor wrapped up a major chapter in his life late last year with the ending of Stranger Things, the Netflix science fiction series that catapulted him and his co-stars into near overnight fame. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catapult

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French or Latin; Middle French catapulte, from Latin catapulta, from Greek katapaltēs, from kata- + pallein to hurl

First Known Use

Noun

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1848, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of catapult was in 1577

Rhymes for catapult

See All Rhymes for catapult

Browse Nearby Words

cataplexy
catapult
cataract
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catapult.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catapult. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

catapult

1 of 2 noun
cat·​a·​pult ˈkat-ə-ˌpəlt How to pronounce catapult (audio)
-ˌpu̇lt
1
: an ancient military device for hurling missiles
2
: a device for launching an airplane (as from the deck of an aircraft carrier)

catapult

2 of 2 verb
1
: to throw or launch by or as if by a catapult
2
: to become catapulted
he catapulted to fame

More from Merriam-Webster on catapult

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about catapult

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