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

When gunfire is detected, the technology can identify the blast from the gun and the sound wave caused by a bullet moving through the air. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

The double bass’s low-frequency sound waves help create a balanced sonic spectrum, supporting the higher frequencies produced by other instruments. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026

Also known as sonography, ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of a person’s body. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Indiana bats navigate and find insect prey by producing sound waves at frequencies above human hearing, experts say. — Mark Price june 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sound wave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave

Medical Definition

sound wave

noun

1

: sound sense 1

2

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