sound-bite

1 of 2

adjective

ˈsau̇n(d)-ˌbīt 

: containing or characterized by sound bites

sound-bite politics

sound bite

2 of 2

noun

: a brief recorded statement (as by a public figure) broadcast especially on a television news program

also : a brief catchy comment or saying

Examples of sound-bite in a Sentence

Noun

His campaign relies on catchy sound bites.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Leo smiles easily, is quiet, calm, gentle and not the master of a sound-bite. —Anna Rowlands, Time, 12 May 2025

Executive compensation is inherently complex, and a thorough examination of its multiple facets, rather than fixating on a single sound-bite figure, is critical to evaluate whether the contract effectively aligns with shareholder interests. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2024

Noun

Conservative media outlets have seized on that hesitation, producing awkward sound bites that have powered campaign ads and White House messaging, regardless of the salience in the shutdown fight. —David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025

Her job is to spin the flare-ups of a dying climate into cute, consumable sound bites for viewers. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1986, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1972, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sound-bite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight