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

According to the company, the hypersonic glide body is aimed at expanding strike options for defense forces by delivering high-performance capabilities in a cost-effective and adaptable platform. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2026

One reason for this strategy is the choice of a glide body rather than a powered hypersonic vehicle. — David Szondy june 26, New Atlas, 26 June 2026

But intelligence strives to push presidents and their colleagues to think more strategically: What are the implications of hypersonic missiles? — Gregory F. Treverton, The Conversation, 8 June 2026

None of those eight hypersonic missiles were intercepted. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 4 June 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