adjective
- moving at a speed less than the speed of sound
- relating to or involving speeds below the speed of sound
Usage: physics; aviation
Usage: technical
Examples
- The subsonic aircraft flew quietly overhead.
- Most commercial airliners operate at subsonic speeds.
- The bullet traveled at subsonic velocity through the air.
- Engineers tested the subsonic wind tunnel design.
- The jet’s subsonic flight was much quieter than expected.
- Subsonic ammunition produces less noise when fired.