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
SpaceX has warned that residents in the Bahamas may hear one or more sonic booms during the first-stage landing.
—
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
SpaceX plans to once again attempt to return the rocket booster and catch it at the launch pad, which would cause sonic booms in the area around the landing zone.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Even during the days of Concorde, the supersonic plane that retired in 2003, commercial flying at speeds above Mach 1 over mainland US was strictly forbidden, largely due to concerns over noise pollution from sonic booms.
—Edward Russell, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
The sonic boom is caused by the rocket dropping below supersonic speeds, rather than breaking the sound barrier via acceleration.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sonic boom
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
SpaceX plans to once again attempt to return the rocket booster and catch it at the launch pad, which would cause sonic booms in the area around the landing zone.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Even during the days of Concorde, the supersonic plane that retired in 2003, commercial flying at speeds above Mach 1 over mainland US was strictly forbidden, largely due to concerns over noise pollution from sonic booms.
—Edward Russell, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
The sonic boom is caused by the rocket dropping below supersonic speeds, rather than breaking the sound barrier via acceleration.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sonic boom
Cite this Entry
“Sonic boom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonic%20boom. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share