sonic

[ son-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to sound.
2. noting or pertaining to a speed equal to that of sound in air at the same height above sea level.

sonic

/ ˈsɒnɪk /

adjective

1. of, involving, or producing sound
2. having a speed about equal to that of sound in air: 331 metres per second (741 miles per hour) at 0°C

Other Words From

• multi·sonic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sonic¹

1920–25; < Latin son ( us ) sound ¹ + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of sonic¹

C20: from Latin sonus sound

Example Sentences

The most recommended pair of kids’ headphones around lives up to its reputation with sonic quality and safety features.

From Popular-Science

The flow, the tone, his handling of the text, and the way he shaped this five-and-a-half-minute sonic journey from dark to light—all of it was just perfect.

From MIT Technology Review

The world of guitar pedals is one of endless sonic possibilities, and pedalboards are an essential tool for exploring that world uninhibited.

From Popular-Science

Though the bar for quality has risen dramatically in the past decade, they are often the opposite of what audiophiles look for in headsets, which is pure, sonic truth.

From Popular-Science

Released on Friday, Happier Than Ever marks a sonic and thematic departure from its predecessor.

From The Daily Beast

The last band I was in was kind of a Sonic Youth rip-off band, and I thought that that was my calling.

From The Daily Beast

But the dress was its own unapologetic sonic boom—and was immediately much-copied.

From The Daily Beast

In her newest EP Love Your Boyfriend, she takes the messaging of love songs and places it in an abrasive, sonic package.

From The Daily Beast

Sonic is open at the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent in Paris through January 11, 2015.

From The Daily Beast

In Sonic, the images that show the business of looking messy and a little druggy are all so stylized, serious, and concentrated.

From The Daily Beast

Carmody shrugged, and Starza calmly took out a sonic pistol and shot him in the belly.

From Project Gutenberg

Sonic part of the mechanism is in trouble, and it is your duty to put yourself in charge of the situation.

From Project Gutenberg

The natives believe there is an underground passage to the sea, and sonic geologists favor this opinion.

From Project Gutenberg

Or perhaps the tank had sonic projectors; then the skin would peel off their bones.

From Project Gutenberg

But I was vexed to the blood by my young rogue, knowing not where to find him, and suspecting sonic low haunt in the Fleet.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• audiovisual
• auditory
• aural
• neural
• neurological
• olfactory
• sensual
• tactile
• visual