ultrasound

noun

ul·​tra·​sound ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd How to pronounce ultrasound (audio)
plural ultrasounds
1
: vibrations of the same physical nature as sound but with frequencies above the range of human hearing
2
: the diagnostic or therapeutic use of ultrasound and especially a noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities

called also sonography, ultrasonography

3
: a diagnostic examination using ultrasound
The patient was scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound.
prenatal ultrasounds

Examples of ultrasound in a Sentence

They used ultrasound to examine his heart. She had an ultrasound exam this morning. She had an ultrasound this morning. She showed me an ultrasound of her unborn baby.
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.
Extensive earlier research has shown that ultrasound—sound at frequencies higher than humans can hear—can affect biology in numerous ways; the new study expands this concept to audible sounds that require no special equipment to produce. Simon Makin, Scientific American, 30 June 2025 Two years later, authorities revealed the woman behind the claims was indicted for faking ultrasounds and a pregnancy video, as well as lying under oath. Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 26 June 2025 There, Hughes was given a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy on the lump in her breast. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 25 June 2025 Before retiring in 2015, Joanna Seibert dedicated time to studying neonatology, ultrasound and sickle cell disease. Keelin Fisher, Arkansas Online, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ultrasound

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultrasound was in 1923

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Cite this Entry

“Ultrasound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultrasound. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ultrasound

noun
ul·​tra·​sound ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd How to pronounce ultrasound (audio)
1
: ultrasonic vibrations
2
: the use of ultrasound for medical diagnosis or treatment and especially a technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for examining internal body structures and detecting abnormalities in the body

Medical Definition

ultrasound

1 of 2 noun
ul·​tra·​sound ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd How to pronounce ultrasound (audio)
1
: vibrations of the same physical nature as sound but with frequencies above the range of human hearing compare infrasound
2
: the diagnostic or therapeutic use of ultrasound and especially a noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities

called also echography, sonography, ultrasonography

3
: a diagnostic examination using ultrasound

ultrasound

2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, performed by, using, or specializing in ultrasound
an ultrasound technician
ultrasound imaging

More from Merriam-Webster on ultrasound

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