sonic boom

noun

: a sound resembling an explosion produced when a shock wave formed at the nose of an aircraft traveling at supersonic speed reaches the ground

called also sonic bang

Examples of sonic boom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The plaintiffs, who primarily live in the cities of Port Isabel and South Padre Island, the two closest communities to Starbase, argue that the intense engine noise of both Starship’s liftoff and the return of the Super Heavy booster, along with sonic booms, caused damage to their homes. —Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 8 May 2026

All three boosters were expended, so no sonic boom landings. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026

These impacts include restrictions on public coastal access, harm to sensitive species and coastal habitat, as well as the frequency and intensity of sonic booms. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026

Usually, a WorldTour peloton passes the roadside with a sonic boom of displaced air; a kaleidoscope of sound and fury that is felt rather than truly seen. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sonic boom

• anteroom
• assume
• backroom
• ballroom
• barroom
• bathroom
• bedroom
• boardroom
• bridegroom
• classroom
• cloakroom
• consume

Kids Definition

sonic boom

noun

: a sound like that of an explosion produced when a shock wave formed at the nose of an aircraft traveling at supersonic speed reaches the ground