subsonic
adjective
sub·son·ic
ˌsəb-ˈsä-nik 
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
Examples of subsonic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During takeoff and subsonic flight, for example, an ACE can open extra bypass ducts, effectively acting like a turbofan, quieter and efficient.
—
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
The missiles are built to travel at high, subsonic speeds and low heights to better dodge radars, providing Ukraine with a lot more capability and range to target Russian military outposts and energy facilities deep inside the country, military experts previously told The Hill.
—Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2025
The maiden flight that ended with a landing near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California only reached subsonic speeds because it was only intended to show the aircraft's flightworthiness.
—David Szondy
october 28, New Atlas, 28 Oct. 2025
The Tomahawk is a subsonic cruise missile with a range up to around 1,500 miles.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsonic
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Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
The missiles are built to travel at high, subsonic speeds and low heights to better dodge radars, providing Ukraine with a lot more capability and range to target Russian military outposts and energy facilities deep inside the country, military experts previously told The Hill.
—Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2025
The maiden flight that ended with a landing near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California only reached subsonic speeds because it was only intended to show the aircraft's flightworthiness.
—David Szondy
october 28, New Atlas, 28 Oct. 2025
The Tomahawk is a subsonic cruise missile with a range up to around 1,500 miles.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsonic
Cite this Entry
“Subsonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsonic. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subsonic
adjective
sub·son·ic
ˌsəb-ˈsän-ik
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
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