supersonic

1 of 2

adjective

su·​per·​son·​ic ˌsü-pər-ˈsä-nik 

1

: ultrasonic

2

: of, being, or relating to speeds from one to five times the speed of sound in air compare sonic

3

: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents moving at supersonic speed

4

: relating to supersonic airplanes or missiles

the supersonic age

supersonically

ˌsü-pər-ˈsä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

supersonic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a supersonic wave or frequency

2

: a supersonic airplane

Examples of supersonic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Parker Solar Probe: Solar Corona Solar scientists are specifically trying to understand where the solar wind is accelerated to supersonic speeds. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

He is introduced, naturally, in the show’s opening scene, thrusting into a woman in the bathroom of the Concorde as the plane goes supersonic. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024

Noun

The cruise missiles and supersonics leap forward as the swarms line up behind. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2024

The Low Boom Flight Demonstrator Project hopes to revive commercial supersonic by reducing a jet’s sonic boom. —Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 16 Mar. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin super- + sonus sound — more at sound entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing supersonic

• supersonic transport

Kids Definition

supersonic

adjective

su·​per·​son·​ic

ˌsü-pər-ˈsän-ik

1

: ultrasonic

2

: of, being, or relating to speeds from one to five times the speed of sound in air

3

: moving, capable of moving, or using air currents moving at supersonic speed

a supersonic airplane

supersonically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Medical Definition

supersonic

1 of 2 adjective

su·​per·​son·​ic -ˈsän-ik 

1

: ultrasonic sense 1

2

: of, being, or relating to speeds from one to five times the speed of sound in air compare sonic

3

: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents moving at supersonic speed

4

: relating to supersonic airplanes or missiles

the supersonic age

supersonically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

supersonic

2 of 2 noun

1

: a supersonic wave or frequency

2

: a supersonic airplane