'rocket-powered' originates from the combination of 'rocket' and 'powered', where 'rocket' refers to a vehicle or device propelled by a rocket engine, and 'powered' means having a specified type of power or energy source.

'rocket' changed from the Italian word 'rocchetta' meaning 'bobbin' or 'spool', and eventually became the modern English word 'rocket'. 'Powered' comes from the Old French 'poeir', meaning 'to be able'.

Initially, 'rocket' referred to a type of firework, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a vehicle or device propelled by a rocket engine.