a rocket carrying a warhead of conventional or nuclear explosives; may be ballistic or directed by remote control
"The missile was launched from the coast as part of the military exercise."
a weapon that is forcibly thrown or projected at a targets but is not self-propelled
"The archers watched as they loosed their heavy missile of stone toward the castle wall."
Any object used as a weapon by being thrown or fired through the air, such as stone, arrow or bullet.
"The archer released his missile from the bow to strike the target downrange."
In plain English: A missile is an explosive weapon that can be launched over long distances to hit specific targets.
"The missile struck its target with great force before disappearing into the clouds."
Usage: In modern English, missile specifically refers to an explosive projectile like a rocket or guided bomb rather than simple objects such as stones or arrows. Use this term when discussing military weaponry that is launched from a vehicle or device, not for everyday items thrown by hand.
From Latin missile ("thrown weapon, projectile"), neuter of missilis ("throwable, capable of being thrown"), from mittere ("to send"). From 1611. Compare Middle French missile ("projectile"), from 1636.