noun

1. any of various devices, typically cylindrical, containing liquid or solid propellants which when ignited produce hot gases or ions that escape through a rear vent and drive the container forward by the principle of reaction: simple rockets are used mainly as fireworks, signals, and projectile weapons, while more complex rockets are used to propel guided missiles, ballistic missiles, and spacecraft
2. a spacecraft, missile, probe, etc. propelled by a rocket

Etymology: It rocchetta, spool or bobbin, rocket, orig. dim. of rocca, distaff < OHG roccho, distaff: from the resemblance in shape

intransitive verb

1. to go like a rocket; dart ahead swiftly
2. to travel in a rocket
3. to soar; rise rapidly prices rocketed

transitive verb

1. to convey in a rocket
2. to attack by firing a rocket at
3. to propel with or as with sudden force a hit song rocketing a singer to stardom