1. A cylindrical device that can be self-propelled high into the air by combustion of its fuel
   "The space agency launched a rocket carrying supplies to the space station"
    
2. Any vehicle self-propelled by a rocket engine
   "The space agency launched a new rocket to deliver supplies to the space station";
   - projectile
    
3. A jet engine containing its own propellant and driven by reaction propulsion
   "The spacecraft was powered by a powerful rocket engine";
   - rocket engine
    
4. A projectile firework that sends a bright light high into the sky, or used to propel a lifesaving line or harpoon
   "The fireworks display ended with a spectacular rocket";
   - skyrocket
    
5. Sends a firework display high into the sky
   "Children watched in awe as the rocket soared into the night sky";
   - skyrocket
    
6. Erect European annual often grown as a salad crop to be harvested when young and tender
   "rocket, also known as arugula, adds a peppery flavour to salads"; "garden rocket, also known as arugula, adds a peppery flavour to salads";
   - roquette, garden rocket, arugula [N. Amer], Eruca sativa, Eruca vesicaria sativa, rugola [N. Amer], rucola [N. Amer]

1. [informal] Move or travel very quickly
   "He rocketed down the hall to receive his guests";
   - rush, hotfoot, hasten, hie [archaic], speed, race, pelt along [informal], rush along, bucket along [informal], belt along [informal], step on it [informal], travel rapidly, hurry, zip [informal], zoom, zoom along [informal], whizz [informal], whizz along [informal], bucket [informal], belt [informal], barrel [informal], wing [informal], pelt [informal]
    
2. Shoot up abruptly, like a rocket
   "prices rocketed";
   - skyrocket
    
3. Propel with a rocket
   "The spacecraft was rocketed into orbit"
    
4. Attack with missiles or rockets
   "The enemy base was rocketed during the night raid"

Derived forms: rocketed, rocketing, rockets

Type of: arise, come up, firework, go, go up, herb, herbaceous plant, impel, jet engine, lift, locomote, move, move up, propel, pyrotechnic, rise, travel, uprise [archaic, literary], vehicle, visual signal

Part of: Eruca, genus Eruca

Encyclopedia: Rocket, Charles