sonic boom

noun

1. a loud noise caused by the shock wave generated by an aircraft moving at supersonic speed.

sonic boom

noun

1. a loud explosive sound caused by the shock wave of an aircraft, etc, travelling at supersonic speed

sonic boom

1. A shock wave of compressed air caused by an aircraft traveling faster than the speed of sound. It is often audible as a loud, explosive sound, and it sometimes causes damage to structures on the ground.

boom, sonic

¹

1. The sharp, explosive sound generated by an airplane traveling at speeds greater than the speed of sound. The sonic boom follows the aircraft much like a wake follows a ship.

sonic boom

²

1. See boom, sonic .

Word History and Origins

Origin of sonic boom¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

It sparked an immensely powerful shock akin to a "sonic boom from a jet fighter" -- the likes of which are among the most striking phenomena in the Universe.

From Science Daily

A loud sonic boom was reported across Norfolk as the fighter jets raced to intercept the airliner.

From BBC

Nearby residents told BBC Scotland News the explosion sounded like a "sonic boom".

From BBC

“It’s very stressful when you experience something like a sonic boom and you’re not expecting it,” said Phil Simon, a resident of Ojai for 25 years who spoke to the commission Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

The sonic boom — which has been known to startle people — happens when that booster breaks the speed of sound on the way down.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• shock wave