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

Sound: Sound frequencies (such as bells, singing bowls or tuning forks) can be used to charge while directing sound waves toward the crystals. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 14 May 2024

While frequency is how fast sound waves move, amplitude or volume is the strength of those sound waves. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 8 May 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