sonic boom

noun

: a sound resembling an explosion produced when a shock wave formed at the nose of an aircraft traveling at supersonic speed reaches the ground

called also sonic bang

Examples of sonic boom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This is notable, because supersonic flights that make sonic booms over populated areas in the U.S. are prohibited. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2025 SpaceX plans to attempt a third return and catch of the rocket booster at the launch pad, which would cause sonic booms in the area around the landing zone. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025 Boom says its analysis has found that no audible sonic boom reached the ground during the flight. Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025 The trouble is, supersonic flight means sonic booms. New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sonic boom

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sonic boom was in 1952

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Cite this Entry

“Sonic boom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonic%20boom. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

sonic boom

noun
: a sound like that of an explosion produced when a shock wave formed at the nose of an aircraft traveling at supersonic speed reaches the ground

More from Merriam-Webster on sonic boom

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