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

SpaceX launched a cargo mission to the International Space Station before dawn Tuesday that brought a sonic boom and a space jellyfish effect to the skies over Central Florida. — Richard Tribou, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026

SpaceX had warned that the return of the booster could bring a sonic boom as parts of the rocket broke through the sound barrier. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

Some residents near SpaceX’s Starbase launch facilities at Texas’ southernmost tip have long expressed worries about disruptive sonic booms — which can be as loud as gunshots and may cause minor damage to buildings. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

Because the chase plane that accompanies the X-59 causes sonic booms of its own, any noise the X-59 has made (or not made) has so far been masked. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sonic boom

• anteroom
• assume
• backroom
• ballroom
• barroom
• bathroom
• bedroom
• boardroom
• bridegroom
• classroom
• cloakroom
• consume

Kids Definition

sonic boom

noun

: a sound like that of an explosion produced when a shock wave formed at the nose of an aircraft traveling at supersonic speed reaches the ground