Etymologically
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sonic

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 17 October 2026 at 15:35. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: UK /ˈsɒn.ɪk/, US /ˈsɑː.nɪk/[1]

Etymology

It is formed from Latin sonus (“sound”) (see sound) and -ic,[2][3][4][5] perhaps on the pattern of phonic.[2] The Latin word is from Proto-Indo-European *swen- (“to sound”).[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Done by means of sound waves: 1923, in American English.[2][3][6][4]

Semantic evolution

It was used of sound in general, especially within the audible range, from 1936,[6] and sonically is from the same year.[6] The sonic boom, the shock wave of an aircraft going faster than sound, is from 1952,[2][3] and sonic bang and sonic barrier from 1953.[6]

Timeline

  • 1923 – using sound waves.[2][6]
  • 1936 – of sound in general.[6]
  • 1952 – sonic boom.[2][3]
  • 1953 – sonic barrier.[6]

Modern meaning

Adjective

  1. Of, involving or producing sound.
  2. Having a speed about equal to that of sound in air.
  3. (informal) Extremely exciting and fast-paced.

Word family

  • sonically
  • quadrasonic
  • sonicate
  • sonics
  • hypersonic
  • infrasonic
  • subsonic
  • supersonic

References

  1. ^ Jones, Daniel (2011), Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, 18th ed., ed. Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
  2. ^ a b c d e f Barnhart, Robert K. (1988), The Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology
  3. ^ a b c d e Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  5. ^ Pearsall, Judy, ed. (1998), The New Oxford Dictionary of English, Oxford: Clarendon Press
  6. ^ a b c d e f g Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press