What does supersonic mean?
Supersonic describes something that travels faster than sound propagates through air. The word is most common in aviation and engineering, where supersonic aircraft, supersonic flight, and supersonic speed all refer to motion beyond the speed of sound. In general use, it can also suggest extraordinary rapidity, though that extended meaning is usually figurative: a rapid reaction might be called supersonic. A supersonic aircraft is commonly called a supersonic jet, and the technology is associated with military aircraft and, more rarely, commercial travel. The word is especially interesting because its literal boundary—speed greater than that of sound—is a physical threshold that can be plainly measured, while its figurative use carries a sense of exceptional speed or efficiency.
Relating to or travelling at a speed greater than the speed of sound in air.
"The plane entered a supersonic cruising speed."
Hyphenated when placed directly before a noun: 'supersonic aircraft.'
A supersonic aircraft.
"The supersonic crossed the country during the test flight."
This noun use is relatively uncommon outside aviation and general-interest writing.
The plural is rare and is used chiefly for supersonic aircraft or for the field of supersonic flight.
"The development of commercial supersonics continues to face major technical and economic obstacles."
Supersonic is one of the rare everyday words that names a speed faster than sound itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does supersonic come from?
Supersonic was formed in the early 20th century by combining the prefix 'super-' with 'sonic,' a word derived from Latin 'sonus,' meaning sound. The underlying root also gives English words such as 'sonorous,' 'sound,' and 'resound.' The compound follows the common English pattern of using 'super-' to indicate a degree or boundary beyond another quality.
Related word forms
How supersonic is actually used
The term is chiefly used in aviation, physics, and engineering. It is usually hyphenated before a noun, as in 'supersonic aircraft,' but 'supersonic' can also stand alone before a verb.
Easily confused with supersonic
Sonic refers to sound or sound waves, whereas supersonic specifically describes motion at a speed greater than sound.