1
: utilizing, produced by, or relating to sound waves
sonic altimeter
broadly
: of or involving sound
sonic pollution
2
: having a frequency within the audibility range of the human ear
—used of waves and vibrations
3
: of, relating to, or being the speed of sound in air or about 761 miles per hour (1224 kilometers per hour) at sea level at 59°F (15°C)
Did you know?
A sonic boom is an explosive sound created by a shock wave formed at the nose of an aircraft. In 1947 a plane piloted by Chuck Yeager burst the "sound barrier" and created the first sonic boom. In the decades afterward sonic booms became a familiar sound to Americans. (Because of steps that were eventually taken, sonic booms are rarely heard anymore.) Today sonic is often used by ambitious rock musicians to describe their experimental sounds.
Examples of sonic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The tool also features sonic vibration, which helps improve lymphatic drainage with every stroke across your skin.
—
Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024
That sonic strain is part of Smith’s musical DNA, and provides permission to explore the emotions around successful relationships.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 19 Nov. 2024
Yet there’s a happy ending for this sonic schooner: Following the conversation, Fagen’s manager granted Yacht Rock the use of six Steely Dan songs.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
This show with La Tribu, his nine-person band from Havana will no doubt be a lively, unforgettable sonic experience.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sonic 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024
That sonic strain is part of Smith’s musical DNA, and provides permission to explore the emotions around successful relationships.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 19 Nov. 2024
Yet there’s a happy ending for this sonic schooner: Following the conversation, Fagen’s manager granted Yacht Rock the use of six Steely Dan songs.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
This show with La Tribu, his nine-person band from Havana will no doubt be a lively, unforgettable sonic experience.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sonic
Dictionary Entries Near sonic
Cite this Entry
“Sonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonic. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sonic
adjective
son·ic
ˈsän-ik 
: using, produced by, or relating to sound waves
Medical Definition
sonic
adjective
son·ic
ˈsän-ik
1
: having a frequency within the audibility range of the human ear
—used of waves and vibrations
2
: utilizing, produced by, or relating to sound waves
a sonic device used to rupture cell walls
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share