Sputnik

noun

Sput·​nik ˈspu̇t-nik How to pronounce Sputnik (audio)
ˈspət-,
ˈspüt-
: any of a series of earth-orbiting satellites launched by the Soviet Union beginning in 1957

Word History

Etymology

Russian, literally, traveling companion, from s, so with + put' path

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Sputnik was in 1957

Dictionary Entries Near Sputnik

Cite this Entry

“Sputnik.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sputnik. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Sputnik

noun
Sput·​nik ˈspu̇t-nik How to pronounce Sputnik (audio)
ˈspət-
: any of a series of satellites launched by the Soviet Union beginning in 1957

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