supersonic

1 of 2

adjective

su·​per·​son·​ic ˌsü-pər-ˈsä-nik How to pronounce supersonic (audio)
Synonyms of supersonicnext
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 How to pronounce supersonic (audio)
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
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.
Adjective
But the supersonic passenger jet was a bust, and the 747 persisted. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026 Project Pluto's design, known as a ramjet, required air to move through it very quickly and could only operate at supersonic speeds. — Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 18 June 2026
Noun
The cruise missiles and supersonics leap forward as the swarms line up behind. — David Szondy, New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2024 There’s no amount of computing power that can make the Wright Flyer supersonic. — Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian, 11 Dec. 2019 See All Example Sentences for supersonic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of supersonic was in 1919

Phrases Containing supersonic

Rhymes for supersonic

See All Rhymes for supersonic

Browse Nearby Words

supersoft
supersonic
supersonics
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Supersonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supersonic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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 How to pronounce supersonic (audio)
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 How to pronounce supersonic (audio)
adverb

supersonic

2 of 2 noun
1
: a supersonic wave or frequency
2
: a supersonic airplane

More from Merriam-Webster on supersonic

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for supersonic

Nglish: Translation of supersonic for Spanish Speakers

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