hypersonic

adjective

hy·​per·​son·​ic ˌhī-pər-ˈsä-nik 

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 

adverb

Examples of hypersonic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Boasting an improved rocket motor for extended range, the new interceptor is built to engage hypersonic glide vehicles and advanced aerial threats. — New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026

The launch was Pyongyang’s fourth in a month, following Seoul’s recent test of a hypersonic missile. — Reuters, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026

Jang, the South Korean military official, said the latest North Korean launches likely were intended to advance the country’s missile technologies while also serving as a possible response to South Korea’s hypersonic test. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Despite the successful trial, significant technical and operational challenges remain before South Korea’s hypersonic glide vehicle can be deployed as a dependable strategic asset. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hypersonic

• anharmonic
• anionic
• avionic
• catatonic
• cationic
• chorionic
• cosmogonic
• diachronic
• diatonic
• electronic
• embryonic
• excitonic