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
The aircraft is designed to hit supersonic speeds without creating an audible sonic boom, a typical side effect of supersonic flight.
—
Julian Dossett, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025
When that climax finally arrives, all sonic booms and coruscating colors, the oohs and aahs have all been earned.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2025
Those in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear sonic booms during the launch, depending on weather and other conditions, according to SpaceX.
If the dual missions don’t launch Monday night, there are opportunities available through April.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
In populated areas, anything above Mach 1 is prohibited due to loud sonic booms.
—Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sonic boom
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.
Julian Dossett, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025
When that climax finally arrives, all sonic booms and coruscating colors, the oohs and aahs have all been earned.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2025
Those in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear sonic booms during the launch, depending on weather and other conditions, according to SpaceX.
If the dual missions don’t launch Monday night, there are opportunities available through April.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
In populated areas, anything above Mach 1 is prohibited due to loud sonic booms.
—Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sonic boom
Cite this Entry
“Sonic boom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonic%20boom. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share