acoustic

adjective acous·tic \ ə-ˈküs-tik \

variants: or acoustical play \-ti-kəl\

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

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

Because of the notorious acoustic vagaries of the Bob Carr Theater, at my seat the sound of soloist Ronald Gardiner’s cello only occasionally could be heard over the other players.

— matthew j. palm, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Classical music is stuffy, you say? Not in Central Florida," 8 Apr. 2018
The indoor event will include food trucks, music from acoustic group Wych Elm and craft beer from Arbor Brewing (including its new canned beer).

— greg crawford, Detroit Free Press, "Plan your weekend: 'Tosca,' ventriloquist Darci Lynne, Afro-Caribbean cook-off," 4 Apr. 2018
Gorgeous melodies and harmonies, dusty acoustic instrumentation and an inclination for breaking into a jam all mark this ever-rising trio.

— justin jacobs, Indianapolis Star, "‘Eva’ premiere, Brett Eldredge show among top things to do in Indianapolis this April," 4 Apr. 2018
Guitarist Bill Fleming will play acoustic music as people stroll in the Knorr gardens.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Awards presented to woman's club members," 22 Mar. 2018
The scene prizes acoustic instruments, but doesn’t rule out electric ones.

— jon pareles, New York Times, "In Its Own Quiet Way, I’m With Her Is a Supergroup," 13 Mar. 2018
Robinson hopes to host happy hours — earlier than usual, for the education crowd — with live acoustic music on Fridays.

— michael hamad, courant.com, "New Music Venue The Rough Draft Taking Over The Space Building," 12 Mar. 2018
The guitarist alternated between acoustic and electric instruments, and percussionist Wally Ingram joined for most songs.

— jeremy d. goodwin, BostonGlobe.com, "Phil Lesh and Bob Weir’s explorations never get old," 8 Mar. 2018
Popular food trucks, including Tacos Don Beto, Kuki’s Bowl and Poke Lab, make regular appearances, and easygoing acoustic music on weekends deepens the friendly and open feel.

— mark c. anderson, San Francisco Chronicle, "‘Wine House’ is locals’ drinking clubhouse of choice in Carmel," 28 Feb. 2018

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

acoustic borrowed from Medieval Latin acousticus, acūsticus, borrowed from Greek akoustikós, from akoustós "heard, audible" (verbal adjective of akoúein "to hear," going back to Indo-European h₂kous-) + -ikos ¹-ic; acoustical from acoustic + ¹-al — more at hear

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1635

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