subsonic

adjective

sub·​son·​ic ˌsəb-ˈsä-nik How to pronounce subsonic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being a speed less than that of sound in air
2
: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents moving at a subsonic speed
3
subsonically adverb

Examples of subsonic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Using the high-res ADR and production sound mixer Greg Chapman’s recordings of Elordi’s performance, Robitaille gave Cooke and re-recording mixer Brad Zoern two different subsonic booster tracks to utilize. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026 Their endurance has been proven in flight testing, demonstrating high subsonic speeds – 200+ nautical mile range at low altitudes and 60+ minutes duration. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026 When the accelerated electrons crashed into other electrons lingering in an open region downstream of the nozzle, the slower, subsonic electrons couldn’t get out of the way fast enough, and the liquid compressed. Quanta Magazine, 11 Feb. 2026 During ground operations, including taxiing, takeoff, climbing, and subsonic cruising, the engine acts like a highly efficient turbofan, with the blisks drawing in the air and accelerating it to shoot out the back. New Atlas, 14 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subsonic

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of subsonic was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Subsonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsonic. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

subsonic

adjective
sub·​son·​ic ˌsəb-ˈsän-ik How to pronounce subsonic (audio)
ˈsəb-
1
: of, relating to, or being a speed less than that of sound in air
2
: moving, capable of moving, or using air currents moving at a subsonic speed
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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