subsonic
Americanadjective
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noting or pertaining to a speed less than that of sound in air at the same height above sea level.
adjective
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Having a speed less than that of sound in a designated medium, usually air; having a velocity less than Mach 1.
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Compare hypersonic supersonic transonic
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of subsonic
1940–45; sub- + sonic ( def. )
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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.
After reentering the atmosphere, it would glide on wings before being captured in mid air by a large subsonic aircraft.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026
Both travel at high subsonic speeds, around 600 mph.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 14, 2025
In terms of purely destructive power, however, hypersonic missiles are not hugely different from supersonic or subsonic cruise missiles, according to Mr Freer.
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2025
The house was littered with casings from subsonic ammunition of the same brand recovered from the motel room, Avila said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 5, 2023
The air smells like wet grain and hedge trimmings; in the lulls between their footfalls, she can hear a deep, nearly subsonic roar.
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
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