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
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.
SpaceX has warned that residents in the Bahamas may hear one or more sonic booms during the first-stage landing. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025 But from Ray’s memory was the sound of the sonic boom. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 12 Apr. 2025 Minimizing sonic boom has been a key goal for engineers involved in the race to bring about the return of commercial supersonic air travel. Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sonic boom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonic%20boom. Accessed 25 Apr. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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