hypersonic

adjective

hy·​per·​son·​ic ˌhī-pər-ˈsä-nik How to pronounce hypersonic (audio)
1
: of or relating to speed five or more times that of sound in air compare sonic
2
: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents that move at hypersonic speed
hypersonic wind tunnel
hypersonically
ˌhī-pər-ˈsä-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce hypersonic (audio)
adverb

Examples of hypersonic 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.
One reason for this strategy is the choice of a glide body rather than a powered hypersonic vehicle. — David Szondy june 26, New Atlas, 26 June 2026 At hypersonic speeds, even small guidance errors become significant. — David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Among the missiles launched by Russia on Thursday was the Zircon, an anti-ship and land-attack hypersonic cruise missile, Ihnat said. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 The company believes the same technology could eventually power aircraft capable of sustained hypersonic flight. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypersonic

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypersonic was in 1946

Rhymes for hypersonic

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Browse Nearby Words

hypersomnolence
hypersonic
hypersorption
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypersonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypersonic. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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