sound wave

noun

1

: sound entry 1 sense 1a

2

sound waves plural : longitudinal pressure waves in any material medium regardless of whether they constitute audible sound

earthquake waves and ultrasonic waves are sometimes called sound waves

Examples of sound wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This system uses sound waves to detect aircraft, which allows for the detection of threats that were previously that were not noticed by traditional radars. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025

Think of it as a dedicated telephone line — but with hormones flowing through it, rather than sound waves. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024

This occurs when an object vibrates after being hit by sound waves at a higher amplitude, like when a drummer hits a drum and the instrument and air vibrate to create a loud sound. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024

Stations across the country ignored his request, filling the sound waves with Elvis’s deep, crooning rock-and-roll take on the classic. —Emma Madden, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

sound wave

noun

1

: sound sense 1

2

sound waves plural : longitudinal pressure waves especially when transmitting audible sound