sonic
adjective
son·ic ˈsä-nik 
1
: utilizing, produced by, or relating to sound waves
sonic altimeter
broadly : of or involving sound
sonic pollution
2
: having a frequency within the audibility range of the human ear —used of waves and vibrations
3
: of, relating to, or being the speed of sound in air or about 761 miles per hour (1224 kilometers per hour) at sea level at 59°F (15°C)
sonically
ˈsä-ni-k(ə-)lē
adverb 
Did you know?
A sonic boom is an explosive sound created by a shock wave formed at the nose of an aircraft. In 1947 a plane piloted by Chuck Yeager burst the "sound barrier" and created the first sonic boom. In the decades afterward sonic booms became a familiar sound to Americans. (Because of steps that were eventually taken, sonic booms are rarely heard anymore.) Today sonic is often used by ambitious rock musicians to describe their experimental sounds.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web These crucial sonic elements often sound muffled, typically with Buds Pro smoothing over the twinkle of a cymbal or the sharpness of a synthesizer tone. 
Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, 28 July 2022 That wisdom should come as a touching resolution after such a sustained visual and sonic onslaught, but that would require more engagement with the characters as people and less as human pinballs. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2022 With Chao and Kourtesis’ soothing vocals, the track (out via Ninja Tune) feels warm and comforting; the sonic equivalent of sun hitting your face after standing in the shadows. Billboard Staff, Billboard, 21 Jan. 2022 Featuring production from Raphael Saadiq, the body of work was the sonic equivalent of the cool pompadour and cat-eye that turned Day into many Black girls’ style crushes. Keyaira Boone, Essence, 16 Apr. 2021 While the sonic and visual aesthetic draws inspiration from global influences, this subculture also embodies the nostalgia of decades-old Nigerian pop culture, from ‘80s funk to ‘90s and early ‘00s Nollywood. Marris Adikwu, Billboard, 22 Mar. 2022 However, their sonic and visual representations ultimately failed to synch up. BostonGlobe.com, 30 Jan. 2022 The performances are designed to showcase the hall’s sonic and visual beauty. orlandosentinel.com, 14 Jan. 2022 The track takes listeners on a sonic journey with sounds of rain, enchanting piano, static synths and hypnotizing vocals. Lisa Kocay, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2021 See More
Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, 28 July 2022 That wisdom should come as a touching resolution after such a sustained visual and sonic onslaught, but that would require more engagement with the characters as people and less as human pinballs. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2022 With Chao and Kourtesis’ soothing vocals, the track (out via Ninja Tune) feels warm and comforting; the sonic equivalent of sun hitting your face after standing in the shadows. Billboard Staff, Billboard, 21 Jan. 2022 Featuring production from Raphael Saadiq, the body of work was the sonic equivalent of the cool pompadour and cat-eye that turned Day into many Black girls’ style crushes. Keyaira Boone, Essence, 16 Apr. 2021 While the sonic and visual aesthetic draws inspiration from global influences, this subculture also embodies the nostalgia of decades-old Nigerian pop culture, from ‘80s funk to ‘90s and early ‘00s Nollywood. Marris Adikwu, Billboard, 22 Mar. 2022 However, their sonic and visual representations ultimately failed to synch up. BostonGlobe.com, 30 Jan. 2022 The performances are designed to showcase the hall’s sonic and visual beauty. orlandosentinel.com, 14 Jan. 2022 The track takes listeners on a sonic journey with sounds of rain, enchanting piano, static synths and hypnotizing vocals. Lisa Kocay, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing sonic
Kids Definition
sonic
adjective
son·ic ˈsä-nik
: using, produced by, or relating to sound waves
Medical Definition
sonic
adjective
son·ic ˈsän-ik
1
: having a frequency within the audibility range of the human ear —used of waves and vibrations
2
: utilizing, produced by, or relating to sound waves
a sonic device used to rupture cell walls