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
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Stratolaunch is adding a Boeing 777-200ER to its hypersonic testing fleet, giving the company another aircraft capable of carrying its Talon-A vehicles into the air. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypersonic

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypersonic was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypersonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypersonic. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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