supersonic

1 of 2

adjective

su·​per·​son·​ic ˌsü-pər-ˈsä-nik 

1

: ultrasonic

2

: of, being, or relating to speeds from one to five times the speed of sound in air compare sonic

3

: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents moving at supersonic speed

4

: relating to supersonic airplanes or missiles

the supersonic age

supersonically

ˌsü-pər-ˈsä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

supersonic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a supersonic wave or frequency

2

: a supersonic airplane

Examples of supersonic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The F-15s will now be used to support research flights of NASA's new X-59 'quiet' supersonic jet, an aircraft designed to fly at supersonic speeds without producing the thunderous sonic booms typically associated with breaking the sound barrier. —Julian Dossett, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026

At supersonic speeds, this is incredibly problematic. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026

Noun

Mikel Arteta is taking his supersonic. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

The cruise missiles and supersonics leap forward as the swarms line up behind. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin super- + sonus sound — more at sound entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing supersonic

• supersonic transport

Rhymes for supersonic

• anharmonic
• anionic
• avionic
• catatonic
• cationic
• chorionic
• cosmogonic
• diachronic
• diatonic
• electronic
• embryonic
• excitonic

Kids Definition

supersonic

adjective

su·​per·​son·​ic

ˌsü-pər-ˈsän-ik

1

: ultrasonic

2

: of, being, or relating to speeds from one to five times the speed of sound in air

3

: moving, capable of moving, or using air currents moving at supersonic speed

a supersonic airplane

supersonically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Medical Definition

supersonic

1 of 2 adjective

su·​per·​son·​ic -ˈsän-ik 

1

: ultrasonic sense 1

2

: of, being, or relating to speeds from one to five times the speed of sound in air compare sonic

3

: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents moving at supersonic speed

4

: relating to supersonic airplanes or missiles

the supersonic age

supersonically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

supersonic

2 of 2 noun

1

: a supersonic wave or frequency

2

: a supersonic airplane