sonics

American

[son-iks] / ˈsɒn ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

the branch of science that deals with the practical applications of sound.

sonics British

/ ˈsɒnɪks /

noun

(functioning as singular) physics the study of mechanical vibrations in matter

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sonics

1955; see sonic, + -ics

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His sense of story and sonics began influencing Hollywood as early as the silent era and has never ceased.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

About half the tracks on “Inferno” are purely instrumental, and these cinematic creations are no less evocative, conjuring words and pictures through their sonics alone.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

The production and sonics on his solo albums evolved gently with the times.

From Salon • Jul. 26, 2025

The sonics amplify the delivery: a ‘90s hip-hop beat, the opening lines of the first verse: “Look at me / Look at me,” and a break before “You lookin’?”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 21, 2023

Chemical formulae, yes, and some stuff on sonics; that tied in with the queer pistol.

From Hunter Patrol by Piper, H. Beam

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023