supersonic

[ soo-per-son-ik ]

adjective

1. greater than the speed of sound waves through air.
2. capable of achieving such speed:

   a supersonic plane.

3. ultrasonic.

supersonic

/ ˌsuːpəˈsɒnɪk /

adjective

1. being, having, or capable of reaching a speed in excess of the speed of sound

   supersonic aircraft

supersonic

/ so̅o̅′pər-sŏn′ĭk /

1. Having a speed greater than that of sound in a designated medium, usually air; having a speed greater than Mach 1.
2. Compare hypersonic

Derived Forms

• ˌsuperˈsonically, adverb

Other Words From

• super·soni·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of supersonic¹

First recorded in 1915–20; super- + sonic

Example Sentences

Fortunately, L.A. is filled with unexpected places that provide an escape from the supersonic speed of our daily lives, and many of them offer gift cards.

From Los Angeles Times

The RAF said the Typhoon had been authorised to fly at supersonic speed for operational reasons.

From BBC

Anyone watching nearby as the booster returns to Earth can expect a thunderous boom as it slows down from supersonic speeds.

From BBC

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said 15 regions were targeted - with the attacks aimed at energy infrastructure and using weapons including drones, cruise missiles and supersonic missiles.

From BBC

Sweden is one of the possible sources of supersonic fighter jets that the Philippines plans to acquire as its military shifts focus from decades of fighting communist and Muslim insurgencies to territorial defense.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• airplane
• plane