hypersonic

adjective

hy·​per·​son·​ic ˌhī-pər-ˈsä-nik 

1

: of or relating to speed five or more times that of sound in air compare sonic

2

: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents that move at hypersonic speed

hypersonic wind tunnel

hypersonically

ˌhī-pər-ˈsä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of hypersonic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Russia has used hypersonic missiles in combat against Ukraine. —Daniel Larlham, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025

Even higher temperatures are possible during hypersonic reentry. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

Russia does have other systems with comparable range and resistance to Ukrainian jamming, such as the Kinzhal hypersonic missile. —Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Related Stories: Expanding their space industry expertise further, Rocket Lab was also recently chosen as a potential partner for the military's multibillion-dollar programs dedicated to building hypersonic technology. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hypersonic

• anharmonic
• anionic
• avionic
• catatonic
• cationic
• chorionic
• cosmogonic
• diachronic
• diatonic
• electronic
• embryonic
• excitonic