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.

In both cases, it’s hard not to be impressed with how well the lavish sonics evoke the pop of a past era, which is comforting for anyone repelled by today’s computer-driven productions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 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

His sonics and sentiments quickly deepened, suggesting a constant and often very loud tug of war between anxiety and enlightenment.

From New York Times • Apr. 25, 2023

"Report to me about the sonics," he told Durval.

From Feline Red by Sampson, Robert

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