subsonic
adjective
sub·son·ic
ˌsəb-ˈsä-nik 
1
: of, relating to, or being a speed less than that of sound in air
2
: moving, capable of moving, or utilizing air currents moving at a subsonic speed
Examples of subsonic in a Sentence
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The tricky bit is controlling the air intake, with a conical inner body that adjusts the shock waves and slows down the airflow to subsonic speeds, otherwise the engine would burst or melt.
—
David Szondy
may 25, New Atlas, 25 May 2025
By contrast, Musk’s capsule would travel at subsonic speeds in a much softer vacuum, a concession that allows his pod to be borne on a cushion of air (and still be propelled electromagnetically).
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Dec. 2015
Finally, there is a subsonic filter for eliminating any unwanted ultra‑low frequencies.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
The air, compressed to subsonic speeds, mixes with fuel (typically hydrogen) and ignites in a combustion chamber.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsonic
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David Szondy
may 25, New Atlas, 25 May 2025
By contrast, Musk’s capsule would travel at subsonic speeds in a much softer vacuum, a concession that allows his pod to be borne on a cushion of air (and still be propelled electromagnetically).
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Dec. 2015
Finally, there is a subsonic filter for eliminating any unwanted ultra‑low frequencies.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
The air, compressed to subsonic speeds, mixes with fuel (typically hydrogen) and ignites in a combustion chamber.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsonic
Cite this Entry
“Subsonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsonic. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subsonic
adjective
sub·son·ic
ˌsəb-ˈsän-ik
ˈsəb-
1
: of, relating to, or being a speed less than that of sound in air
2
: moving, capable of moving, or using air currents moving at a subsonic speed
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