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
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
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, 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
Cite this Entry
“Sonic boom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonic%20boom. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share