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
Examples of hypersonic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Payloads included two satellites for the Missile Defense Agency to track hypersonic missiles and four more satellites for the Tranche 0 constellation for the Space Development Agency.
—
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
That parade, previously covered by Interesting Engineering, highlighted Beijing’s growing emphasis on long-range and hypersonic strike capabilities.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2025
The missiles would be hypersonic – more than five times the speed of sound – and maneuverable to confuse enemy defenses.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025
Beijing already operates thousands of high-end ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles that would be used to strike U.S. forward bases, aircraft carriers, tanker aircraft, and other key large assets.
—Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypersonic
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Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
That parade, previously covered by Interesting Engineering, highlighted Beijing’s growing emphasis on long-range and hypersonic strike capabilities.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2025
The missiles would be hypersonic – more than five times the speed of sound – and maneuverable to confuse enemy defenses.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025
Beijing already operates thousands of high-end ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles that would be used to strike U.S. forward bases, aircraft carriers, tanker aircraft, and other key large assets.
—Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypersonic
Cite this Entry
“Hypersonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypersonic. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
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