sonic boom

noun

: a sound resembling an explosion produced when a shock wave formed at the nose of an aircraft traveling at supersonic speed reaches the ground

called also sonic bang

Examples of sonic boom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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All three boosters were expended, so no sonic boom landings. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026 These impacts include restrictions on public coastal access, harm to sensitive species and coastal habitat, as well as the frequency and intensity of sonic booms. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026 The Orion capsule did not produce a sonic boom upon re-entry — disappointing spectators gathered at Sunset Cliffs and other spots along the San Diego coast. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026 When that pressure suddenly releases, it is heard as a sonic boom. Tom Costello, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sonic boom

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sonic boom was in 1952

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sonic boom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonic%20boom. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

sonic boom

noun
: a sound like that of an explosion produced when a shock wave formed at the nose of an aircraft traveling at supersonic speed reaches the ground

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