SPUTNIK Definition & Meaning

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sputnik

[ spoot-nik, spuht-; Russian spoot-nyik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

(sometimes initial capital letter) any of a series of Soviet earth-orbiting satellites:
Sputnik I was the world's first space satellite.

Sputnik

/ ˈspʌt-; ˈspʊtnɪk /

noun

any of a series of unmanned Soviet satellites, Sputnik 1 (launched in 1957) being the first man-made satellite to orbit the earth

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of sputnik¹

1957; < Russian ��ú�ٲԾ�� satellite, traveling companion, equivalent to s- together, with + ��ܳ�’ way, route + -nik agent suffix ( -nik )

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of sputnik¹

C20: from Russian, literally: fellow traveller, from s- with + put path + -nik suffix indicating agent

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

With his trademark delivery - unhurried and calm - he informed viewers of the first sputnik in space, and delivered the communiqués of the Communist Party.

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This guy's not as imposing as a sputnik, but just as many bulbs.

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A “sputnik chandelier” hangs over the dining room table while a breakfast nook adjoining the kitchen has a Formica-topped dinette table and curtains with a starburst pattern.

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The Soviets called it sputnik, meaning simply "satellite" or "fellow traveler."

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The Met’s crystal chandeliers, which have come to be called “sputniks” for their space-age starburst design, are among the most popular features of the theater.

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