sonic boom

A "sonic boom" occurs when an object, often an aircraft, travels faster than the speed of sound, creating a loud explosive noise due to shock waves.

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Definition

(technical, aerospace)A loud explosive noise caused by shock waves from an object moving faster than the speed of sound.

The fighter jet created a sonic boom as it broke the sound barrier.
Residents reported hearing a sonic boom when the spacecraft re-entered the atmosphere.

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "sonic boom":