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Definition of sputnik

sputnik

/ˈspʊt.nɪk/
sput · nik
Plural:sputniks
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sputnik Lexical Profile

sputnik Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An unmanned artificial Earth satellite, especially any of the early spacecraft launched into orbit by the Soviet Union beginning in October 1957.

Example

"The successful launch of the first sputnik inaugurated the Space Age and transformed global science education."

2

A traveling companion or fellow traveler, especially in Russian cultural or historical contexts.

Example

"Throughout his long journey across Siberia, the young naturalist relied on a seasoned local guide as his trusted sputnik."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sputnik

• Nearby Words

spuriously
spurn
spurt
sputnik
sputter
sputteringly
sputum

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in 1957 from Russian спутник (sputnik, literally "fellow traveler" or "satellite"), formed from с- (s-, "with") + путь (put', "way, journey") + the agent suffix -ник (-nik), popularized after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sputnik. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sputnik
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