sputnik Definition
a Russian artificial satellite that was the first to be launched into space, in 1957.
Using sputnik: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sputnik" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The launch of Sputnik marked the beginning of the Space Age.
Example
Sputnik orbited the Earth for three months before burning up in the atmosphere.
Example
The success of Sputnik spurred the United States to accelerate its own space program.
sputnik Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for sputnik
Phrases with sputnik
a point in time when a nation realizes that it is falling behind in a particular area and needs to take action to catch up
Example
The country's poor showing in the international rankings was a Sputnik moment for the government, which immediately began investing in education and research.
the political and social reaction in the United States after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik in 1957, which led to increased funding for science education and research
Example
The Sputnik crisis sparked a renewed interest in science and technology in the United States.
the Soviet Union's program to launch a series of satellites into space, beginning with Sputnik 1 in 1957
Example
The Sputnik program was a major achievement for the Soviet Union and marked the beginning of the Space Race.
Origins of sputnik
from Russian 'спутник', meaning 'companion' or 'satellite'
Summary: sputnik in Brief
'Sputnik' [ˈspʌtnɪk] refers to the first artificial satellite launched into space by the Soviet Union in 1957. It orbited the Earth for three months and marked the beginning of the Space Age. The term has given rise to phrases like 'Sputnik moment,' denoting a realization of falling behind in a particular area, and 'Sputnik crisis,' referring to the political and social reaction in the United States after the launch.
