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.
That could give carrier air wings a hypersonic weapon designed for rapid launches against distant targets. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 Rocket Lab also operates a suborbital variant of Electron called HASTE, which allows customers to test sensors and other tech in the hypersonic flight environment. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Changes in the geopolitical situation and advances in military fields like hypersonic weapon systems are driving a push for deployable launch infrastructure. — David Szondy august 15, New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2026 Hypersonic launch capabilities enhance the new Virginia class further, analysts said, noting that testing of a hypersonic glide vehicle is well underway. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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