alpha wave
noun
: an electrical rhythm of the brain with a frequency of approximately 8 to 13 cycles per second that is often associated with a state of wakeful relaxation
called also alpha, alpha rhythm
Examples of alpha wave in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the 2025 study, researchers observed a reduction in alpha wave amplitude when the participants were meditating.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Short, consistent practice has been shown to increase alpha waves in the brain, associated with relaxation and mental clarity.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
The headband emits acoustic simulation that responds to the user’s brainwaves to induce sleep by suppressing alpha waves, which occur when the brain is in a relaxed state but still awake.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
For instance, alpha waves occur in a more relaxed mental state, while beta waves tend to be produced when a person is alert or focused.
—Emily Mullin, WIRED, 24 Sep. 2024
In the insight case, the brain scans showed that in the second before the answer was reached, there was a burst of alpha waves in the right occipital cortex, which processes vision.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 18 July 2024
Someone who is relaxed with eyes closed but not asleep produces alpha waves at around 10 hertz.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2024
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Short, consistent practice has been shown to increase alpha waves in the brain, associated with relaxation and mental clarity.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
The headband emits acoustic simulation that responds to the user’s brainwaves to induce sleep by suppressing alpha waves, which occur when the brain is in a relaxed state but still awake.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
For instance, alpha waves occur in a more relaxed mental state, while beta waves tend to be produced when a person is alert or focused.
—Emily Mullin, WIRED, 24 Sep. 2024
In the insight case, the brain scans showed that in the second before the answer was reached, there was a burst of alpha waves in the right occipital cortex, which processes vision.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 18 July 2024
Someone who is relaxed with eyes closed but not asleep produces alpha waves at around 10 hertz.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2024
Cite this Entry
“Alpha wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpha%20wave. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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