sound barrier

noun

: a sudden large increase in aerodynamic drag that occurs as the speed of an aircraft approaches the speed of sound

Examples of sound barrier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
New sound barriers coming to Hollywood Drift, says councilmember. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 Instead of dropping an off-the-shelf industrial layout into an unwilling town, teams can dynamically adjust spatial footprints, integrate natural sound barriers, and match structural envelopes to local architectural vernacular. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 The state said only areas that have projects that add capacity to a road or significantly change a road qualify for sound barriers. — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 July 2026 New flyover ramps connecting to I-95 would also be built, while sound barriers would be installed along both sides of the corridor to help reduce traffic noise for nearby residents. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound barrier

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sound barrier was in 1939

Rhymes for sound barrier

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Browse Nearby Words

soundbar
sound barrier
sound-bite
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Cite this Entry

“Sound barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sound%20barrier. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sound barrier

noun
: the sudden large increase in resistance that the air offers to an aircraft nearing the speed of sound

More from Merriam-Webster on sound barrier

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sound barrier

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