audio

1 of 3

adjective

au·​dio ˈȯ-dē-ˌō 

1

: of or relating to acoustic, mechanical, or electrical frequencies corresponding to normally audible sound waves which are of frequencies approximately from 15 to 20,000 hertz

2

a

: of or relating to sound or its reproduction and especially high-fidelity reproduction

b

: relating to or used in the transmission or reception of sound compare video

c

: of, relating to, or utilizing recorded sound

audio

2 of 3

noun

1

: an audio signal

broadly : sound entry 1

2

: the section of television or motion-picture equipment that deals with sound

3

: the transmission, reception, or reproduction of sound

audio-

3 of 3

combining form

1

: hearing

audiometer

2

: sound

audiophile

3

: auditory and

audiovisual

Examples of audio in a Sentence

Adjective

The audio portion of the broadcast was fine but the picture was poor.

They listened to an audio recording of the speech.

Noun

The picture was clear but the audio was very poor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The battery provides a solid 30 hours per charge and the headphones add futuristic features like 3D audio virtualization with head-tracking to feel more like a pair of speakers. —Simon Hill, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024

Loading your audio article Even though the economics of recycling are increasingly shaky, Orange County expects to move forward next year with its plans for a new recycling plant, capable of processing 100,000 tons of plastic, glass, paper and other materials annually. —Ryan Gillespie, Orlando Sentinel, 29 Nov. 2024

Noun

Benefits information should be clear, concise, and accessible in multiple formats, including braille, large print, and audio. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

But the Ray’s best feature is its excellent sound, pumping out clear, musical, and surprisingly meaty audio for a bar proportioned more like a Bluetooth speaker. —Simon Hill, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

independent use of audio- as adjective

Noun

derivative of audio entry 1, or by shortening of words formed with audio- (as audio-signal)

Combining form

Latin audīre "to hear" + -o- — more at audible entry 1

Note: Probably first in audiometer—see etymology note there.

First Known Use

Adjective

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing audio

• audio-animatronic
• audio-lingual

Kids Definition

audio

1 of 3 adjective

au·​dio ˈȯd-ē-ˌō 

1

: of or relating to electrical or other frequencies occurring in the range of sound waves that can be heard

2

a

: of or relating to sound or its reproduction and especially accurate reproduction

bought new audio equipment

b

: relating to or used in sending or receiving sound compare video entry 2 sense 1

audio

2 of 3 noun

1

: the sending, receiving, or reproducing of sound

2

: the part of television or motion-picture equipment that deals with sound

audio-

3 of 3 combining form

1

: hearing

audiometer

2

: sound

audiophile

3

: auditory and

audiovisual

Etymology

Combining form

derived from Latin audire "to hear"