sound wave

noun

1

: sound entry 1 sense 1a

2

sound waves plural : longitudinal pressure waves in any material medium regardless of whether they constitute audible sound

earthquake waves and ultrasonic waves are sometimes called sound waves

Examples of sound wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The telephone used a diaphragm, a coil and a receiver to convert sound waves into electrical signals and back into sound waves, enabling real-time voice conversations. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026

The device generates shockwaves through sound waves that deliver pulses of high-intensity pressure. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026

Just sound waves directed at the brain. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026

Climb a rock wall, learn about sound waves, see live animals, watch a 3D movie, and so much more at this Liberty Science Center. —Elena Donovan Mauer, Parents, 8 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sound wave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave

Medical Definition

sound wave

noun

1

: sound sense 1

2

sound waves plural : longitudinal pressure waves especially when transmitting audible sound