hypersonic

adjective

hy·​per·​son·​ic ˌhī-pər-ˈsä-nik How to pronounce hypersonic (audio)
1
: of or relating to speed five or more times that of sound in air compare sonic
2
: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents that move at hypersonic speed
hypersonic wind tunnel
hypersonically
ˌhī-pər-ˈsä-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce hypersonic (audio)
adverb

Examples of hypersonic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But now the attacks are more constant using drones, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, even hypersonic missiles - not only during the night, but now during the day. — Greg Dixon, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 To further strengthen its counterstrike capability, the ministry is seeking to develop hypersonic missiles that can be launched from submarines. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 Rocket Lab has also launched nine missions to date with HASTE, a suborbital version of Electron that allows customers to test sensors and instruments in a hypersonic flight environment. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026 That could give carrier air wings a hypersonic weapon designed for rapid launches against distant targets. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypersonic

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypersonic was in 1946

Rhymes for hypersonic

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Browse Nearby Words

hypersomnolence
hypersonic
hypersorption
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypersonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypersonic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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