subsonic

adjective

sub·​son·​ic ˌsəb-ˈsä-nik How to pronounce subsonic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being a speed less than that of sound in air
2
: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents moving at a subsonic speed
3
subsonically adverb

Examples of subsonic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Low-flying, subsonic cruise missiles aren’t terribly difficult to shoot down, given enough warning. David Axe, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 The autonomous subsonic aircraft is being developed as part of the US Air Force's CCA program and is based on the company's XQ-67A prototype. David Szondy, New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2024 There’s plenty of definition and detail all the way from that subsonic base to the tiniest treble details and yet the sound never strains or tires the listener’s ears because the planar magnetic drivers show almost no distortion thanks to a Total Harmonic Distortion of less than 0.3%. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 Once in the lower atmosphere and with speeds now in the subsonic realm, parachutes were deployed to further slow the capsule. David Szondy, New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subsonic 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subsonic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of subsonic was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near subsonic

Cite this Entry

“Subsonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsonic. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

subsonic

adjective
sub·​son·​ic ˌsəb-ˈsän-ik How to pronounce subsonic (audio)
ˈsəb-
1
: of, relating to, or being a speed less than that of sound in air
2
: moving, capable of moving, or using air currents moving at a subsonic speed
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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