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

Rather than applying the same treatment to everyone, the system adjusts sound waves to match an individual’s anatomy, aiming to work with the natural structure of the sinus cavities rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026

Since these are carried out by sound waves, they are not limited by Newton’s Third Law. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2026

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

First, the skull weakens and distorts sound waves. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 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