spacefaring

adjective

space·​far·​ing ˈspās-ˌfer-iŋ How to pronounce spacefaring (audio)
: having vehicles capable of traveling beyond the earth's atmosphere
spacefaring nations

Examples of spacefaring in a Sentence

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.
Only then will our machines be able to prepare the way for our own forays to the moon, the planets, and the stars, turning us at last into a truly spacefaring species. IEEE Spectrum, 27 May 2014 Scientists grew mouse embryos for the first time ever in space What would make humans a truly spacefaring species? Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 31 Dec. 2023 Although the overall risk of harm to people is low—there is only a 0.5 percent chance of injury or death to a human, based on one model—these risks are nonetheless higher than accepted by most spacefaring nations, said Ted Muelhaupt, a reentry and debris expert at The Aerospace Corporation. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 3 Nov. 2022 The baseline is the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which has been ratified by all spacefaring nations, including the U.S., Russia, and China. Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 7 June 2012 See All Example Sentences for spacefaring

Word History

Etymology

space entry 1 + seafaring

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spacefaring was in 1952

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Cite this Entry

“Spacefaring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spacefaring. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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