hypersonic

American  

[hahy-per-son-ik] / ˌhaɪ pərˈsɒn ɪk /

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to speed that is at least five times that of sound in the same medium.

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hypersonic British  

/ ˌhaɪpəˈsɒnɪk /

adjective

1. concerned with or having a velocity of at least five times that of sound in the same medium under the same conditions

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hypersonic Scientific  

/ hī′pər-sŏn′ĭk /

1. Relating to or capable of speeds equal to or exceeding five times the speed of sound (Mach 5 and above).

2. Compare subsonic supersonic transonic

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Other Word Forms

• hypersonics
  noun

Etymology

Origin of hypersonic

First recorded in 1935–40; hyper- + sonic

Compare meaning

How does hypersonic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hypersonic vs. supersonic

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hypersonic

But the armed forces still lack a weapons system to deal with long-range ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

More than half involved entities tied to China’s defense research and industrial base, including those working on hypersonic missiles, advanced propulsion systems and nuclear technology.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

Hermeus, a hypersonic aircraft company, will also relocate its headquarters there, Racine said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

But even with the new investment it is likely that an adversary armed with hypersonic missiles would be able to overwhelm Britain's defences.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026

The most visionary of the brain busters pined for the day when a pilot could take one of their creations for a hypersonic joy ride: Mach 5 or faster.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Related Words

• agile
• brisk
• hot
• nimble
• quick
• rapid
• swift