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 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.
The Russians initially boasted that the Kinzhal was impossible to intercept due to its reported speed of up to 7,700 miles per hour (or Mach 10), but Patriot systems in Ukraine have repeatedly proven effective even on hypersonic missiles —going beyond what the Patriot was designed to do. Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Payloads included two satellites for the Missile Defense Agency to track hypersonic missiles and four more satellites for the Tranche 0 constellation for the Space Development Agency. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025 The company has also positioned its W-series of spacecraft, which reenter at a maximum speed of Mach 25, as an ideal test bed for thermal protection materials, navigation, communications, and other sensors that could be flown operationally on hypersonic missiles. ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025 What To Know Ukraine's air force said early on Wednesday that Russia had fired 728 drones, six Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles and seven cruise missiles at Ukraine overnight. Ellie Cook shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypersonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypersonic. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!