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

Also known as ultrasound, these sound waves can help clinicians diagnose and monitor disease, and can also provide first glimpses of your newest family members. —Richard J. Price, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025

An ultrasonic cleaner cleans with high-frequency sound waves that create microscopic bubbles. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025

Next, Klie was taken back to the MRI scanner, where a special membrane was placed on her head to hold cold water for cooling and to aid sound wave transmission. —Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025

Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to look at the breast and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and magnets to make detailed images, often used for high-risk patients. —Dr. Megha Gupta, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025

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