acoustic

play

adjective acous·tic \ ə-ˈküs-tik \

variants: or acoustical play \-ti-kəl\

Definition of acoustic

1 :of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sounds

acoustic apparatus of the ear

acoustic energy

: such as

a :deadening or absorbing sound

acoustic tile

b :operated by or utilizing sound waves

2 :of, relating to, or being a musical instrument whose sound is not electronically modified

—

acoustically

play \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See acoustic defined for English-language learners

See acoustic defined for kids

Examples of acoustic in a Sentence

the acoustic properties of a room
She loves listening to acoustic folk music.
an acoustic performance of a rock-and-roll song

Recent Examples of acoustic from the Web

A formidable saxophonist, Denty has collaborated prolifically with percussionist Mulvenna, the duo intertwining acoustic and electronic sounds.

— howard reich, chicagotribune.com, "Don't miss these shows at the Chicago Jazz Fest," 30 Aug. 2017
Cuba has denied what would be an unprecedented breach of obligation to protect foreign diplomats, and not to blast them with acoustic energy.

— james hamblin, The Atlantic, "What Are Sound Weapons?," 23 Aug. 2017
Mr. Abercrombie frequently performed in acoustic duos and trios, never forswearing his devotion to the classic jazz repertoire.

— giovanni russonello, New York Times, "John Abercrombie, Lyrical Jazz Guitarist, Dies at 72," 23 Aug. 2017
There's a sound chamber, approximately 60 feet by 60 feet, with wedges on the walls to simulate an outdoors acoustic environment.

— rick barrett, USA TODAY, "Harley-Davidson reveals eight revamped cruiser motorcycles," 23 Aug. 2017
In this case, to Plano, where the frontman for the Fort Worth band will play an acoustic performance during a pop-up beer dinner at a Hyena’s comedy club at 7 p.m. Sunday.

— star-telegram, "Hello, weekend! Top 10 things to do in DFW this week," 23 Aug. 2017
Rudolf said acoustic music connects performers with audience members.

— jessi virtusio, Daily Southtown, "All about the acoustics," 18 Aug. 2017
Sunday, Aug. 20 On the stage: 10 to 11:30 a.m., Andy McIntire on bagpipes and drums; noon to 1:30 p.m., Trish Curreri, Party with Patsy Cline; and 2 to 4 p.m., Chris Monaghan playing guitar and acoustic pop.

— The Aegis, "Havre de Grace Art Show back for 54th year Saturday, Sunday," 18 Aug. 2017
Kristin Diable Live at The C-J Diable will play an exclusive acoustic set and chat with us at 1 p.m. Tuesday on our Facebook page at facebook.com/courierjournal.

— jeffrey lee puckett, The Courier-Journal, "Chanteuse Kristin Diable to play exclusive solo set live from the Courier-Journal," 11 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'acoustic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of acoustic

Greek akoustikos of hearing, from akouein to hear — more at hear

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1635

See Words from the same year

acoustic Synonyms

Synonyms

auditory (or acoustical), audial, audile, aural, auricular

Antonyms

nonauditory

Related Words

audiovisual; audible, clear, discernible (also discernable), distinct, distinguishable, heard, perceptible

Near Antonyms

faint, feeble, imperceptible, inaudible, indistinct, indistinguishable; low, noiseless, quiet, silent, soft, soundless

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

ACOUSTIC Defined for English Language Learners

acoustic

play

adjective

Definition of acoustic for English Language Learners

: of or relating to sound or to the sense of hearing
of a musical instrument : not having its sound changed by electrical devices
: made with or using acoustic instruments

ACOUSTIC Defined for Kids

acoustic

play

adjective acous·tic \ ə-ˈkü-stik \

variants: or acoustical \-sti-kəl\

Definition of acoustic for Students

1 :of or relating to hearing or sound

2 :not having the sound changed by electrical devices

an acoustic guitar

Medical Dictionary

acoustic

play

adjective acous·tic \ ə-ˈkü-stik \

variants: or acoustical play \-sti-kəl\

medical Definition of acoustic

:of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sounds

acoustic apparatus of the ear

acoustic energy

: as

a :deadening or absorbing sound

acoustic tile

b :operated by or utilizing sound waves

—

acoustically

play \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Learn More about acoustic

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for acoustic Spanish Central: Translation of acoustic Nglish: Translation of acoustic for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of acoustic for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up acoustic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

acoustic

Definition of acoustic

acoustically

People Are Reading

Examples of acoustic in a Sentence

Recent Examples of acoustic from the Web

Origin and Etymology of acoustic

acoustic Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Other Physics Terms

ACOUSTIC Defined for English Language Learners

acoustic

Definition of acoustic for English Language Learners

ACOUSTIC Defined for Kids

acoustic

Definition of acoustic for Students

Medical Dictionary

acoustic

medical Definition of acoustic

acoustically

Learn More about acoustic

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Diffuse' vs. 'Defuse'

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066