What does "sputnik" mean?
Any of a series of Soviet robotic space satellites, especially the first one in 1957.
Sputnik
/ˈspʊtnɪk/ name, noun
name, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Any of a series of Soviet robotic space satellites, especially the first one in 1957.
- Grammar: sputnik is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: apollo, artificial satellite, first satellite, gemini.
- Useful contrasts: natural satellite.
- Usage evidence: The first artificial satellite was Sputnik 1, launched by Russia in 1957.
How to use "sputnik"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sputnik" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sputnik" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "sputnik" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sputnik" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sputnik" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "apollo" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "sputnik", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any of a series of Soviet robotic space satellites, especially the first one in 1957. historical
"Half a century ago, when the Soviets beat us into space with the launch of a satellite called Sputnik, we had no idea how we would beat them to the moon. The science wasn't even there yet. NASA didn't exist. But after investing in better research and education, we didn't just surpass the Soviets; we unleashed a wave of innovation that created new industries and millions of new jobs. This is our generation's Sputnik moment. Two years ago, I said that we needed to reach a level of research and development we haven't seen since the height of the Space Race. And in a few weeks, I will be sending a budget to Congress that helps us meet that goal."
- 2 An adenovirus viral vector vaccine for COVID-19, developed in Russia.
"For the record, Stone has been quadruple-vaxxed against covid-19: “Two Sputniks and two Pfizers,” he says proudly."
- 3 a Russian artificial satellite wordnet
- 4 Any artificial satellite. dated
"With this program, we could bring water to the Middle East. We could rebuild some of our sagging esteem in that part of the world; we could insure that in this area at least we would have our sputniks abreast the Russians', and we could do our own economy a priceless good turn."
- 5 Alternative letter-case form of sputnik. alt-of
Proper Noun
- 1 A village in Pechengsky District, Murmansk Oblast, Russia.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
natural satellite
Example
"The first artificial satellite was Sputnik 1, launched by Russia in 1957."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sputnik"?
Common synonyms include: apollo, artificial satellite, first satellite, gemini, orbiting satellite, probe.
How do you use "sputnik" in a sentence?
The first artificial satellite was Sputnik 1, launched by Russia in 1957.
How do you pronounce "sputnik"?
Pronounced /ˈspʊtnɪk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *sem- Proto-Indo-European *sm̥- Proto-Balto-Slavic *san? Proto-Indo-European *ḱe Proto-Indo-European *ḱóm? Proto-Slavic *sъ(n) Russian с- (s-) Proto-Indo-European *pent- Proto-Indo-European *póntoh₁s Proto-Balto-Slavic *pántis Proto-Slavic *pǫtь Proto-Indo-European *-nós Proto-Balto-Slavic *-inas Proto-Slavic *-ьnъ Proto-Indo-European *-eykos Proto-Balto-Slavic *-eikas Proto-Slavic *-ikъ Proto-Slavic *-ьnikъ Proto-Slavic *pǫtьnikъ Russian пу́тник (pútnik) Russian спу́тник (spútnik)bor. English sputnik From Russian спу́тник (spútnik, “satellite”, literally “fellow traveller”), from с- (s-, “with, together”) + пу́тник (pútnik, “traveller”), from путь (putʹ, “way, journey”) + agent suffix -ник (-nik).
Etymology 2
See sputnik. The vaccine sense is an ellipsis of Sputnik V, from Russian Спутник V (Sputnik V), a trade name given after Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite.