sonic boom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Semi-technical / Metaphorical. Primarily used in technical contexts (aviation, physics) but also in journalistic and business metaphors.
Quick answer
What does “sonic boom” mean?
A loud explosive noise caused by the shock wave from an aircraft or other object travelling faster than the speed of sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A loud explosive noise caused by the shock wave from an aircraft or other object travelling faster than the speed of sound.
A metaphor for a sudden, disruptive event or announcement that has a widespread, powerful impact, or for a phenomenon that is rapidly expanding and creating noticeable effects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. American English has a higher frequency due to NASA and military aviation prominence.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties: literal (noise/pressure), metaphorical (sudden impact).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English corpus data due to cultural references (e.g., Chuck Yeager, space program).
Grammar
How to Use “sonic boom” in a Sentence
[Aircraft/Event] caused a sonic boom over [Location].The sonic boom from [source] startled [recipients].[Subject] went supersonic, resulting in a sonic boom.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sonic boom” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form. Use 'create' or 'produce a sonic boom'.
- The jet was said to have *boomed* over the city (informal).
American English
- No standard verb form. Use 'generate a sonic boom'.
- The spacecraft *boomed* as it re-entered (informal).
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The *sonic-boom* research was groundbreaking.
- They discussed *sonic-boom* mitigation techniques.
American English
- *Sonic-boom* regulations are strict over land.
- A *sonic-boom* event was recorded.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The merger announcement created a sonic boom across the financial sector, sending rival stocks tumbling."
Academic
"The study focused on mitigating the environmental impact of sonic booms in populated areas."
Everyday
"We heard a loud sonic boom this afternoon; it must have been a fighter jet."
Technical
"The pressure signature of an N-wave is characteristic of a sonic boom."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sonic boom”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sonic boom”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sonic boom”
- Using 'sonic boom' to describe any loud explosion (e.g., a bomb).
- Misspelling as 'sonic *bomb*.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The jet sonic boomed'). The verb form is not standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A sonic boom is caused by an object moving through the air faster than the speed of sound. It creates a shock wave of compressed air molecules that reaches the ground as a loud, explosive noise.
No. It is a continuous effect. An object travelling at supersonic speed generates a sonic boom that trails behind it, creating a 'boom carpet' along its flight path. Listeners on the ground hear it as the shock wave passes over them.
In its literal sense, it is neutral (a physical phenomenon). Metaphorically, it is usually negative or neutral, indicating disruption. It could be used positively in contexts where disruptive innovation is welcomed (e.g., 'The app's launch was a sonic boom for the mobile gaming industry').
A shock wave is the propagating front of changed pressure. A sonic boom is specifically the acoustic effect—the loud sound—perceived when a supersonic object's shock wave reaches a listener.
A loud explosive noise caused by the shock wave from an aircraft or other object travelling faster than the speed of sound.
Sonic boom is usually semi-technical / metaphorical. primarily used in technical contexts (aviation, physics) but also in journalistic and business metaphors. in register.
Sonic boom: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɒn.ɪk ˈbuːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɑː.nɪk ˈbuːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphor] create/cause a sonic boom in [industry/market] = to disrupt suddenly and noticeably.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SONIC = sound, BOOM = loud noise. A 'sound boom' happens when something moves faster than sound itself, creating a booming noise.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED/IMPACT IS A LOUD SOUND. A sudden, fast-moving development is conceptualised as a powerful, audible explosion.
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, 'sonic boom' is best used to describe: