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

Russia's latest bombardment included Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, according to Ukrainian authorities. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

The site can be used to simulate flight environments that can be used for hypersonic weapon development, according to a university notice. —Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025

From Asia to Europe, countries are investing in hypersonic platforms as both deterrents and strategic equalizers, accelerating a global race. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025

From the bendy palm trees of Thunderbird 2's iconic launch sequence to epic set-pieces featuring collapsing skyscrapers and doomed hypersonic jets, this kids' show could go toe-to-toe with the big screen's best. —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2025

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