sound wave

noun

Definition of sound wave

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 paper in question makes use of something called transformation optics to create a wormhole for sound waves. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Researchers 3D print a wormhole… for sound waves," 6 Dec. 2018 Active sonar broadcasts sound waves through the ocean that reflect off underwater objects, ideally detecting enemy submarines. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "The U.S. Navy Is Limiting Noisier Activities to Protect an Endangered Whale," 15 Nov. 2018 Treatment might involve a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which is when sound waves are used to try to break up the stone. — Korin Miller, SELF, "Simone Biles Went to the ER With a Kidney Stone—and Made It to the World Championships Finals the Next Day," 29 Oct. 2018 Kids can play with sound waves to see how musical instruments work, shoot an air cannon and explore magnetism by building with magnets. — Amy Schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Science CITY opens at Betty Brinn Children's Museum," 5 July 2018 Music and sound waves travel through bone conduction when your head hits the pillow, yet no one else can hear it. — Karen Campbell, BostonGlobe.com, "Trouble sleeping? Let your senses be your guide," 12 July 2018 Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz), or the number of sound waves per second. — Ben Finio, Scientific American, "Make Sprinkles Dance," 31 May 2018 All month long, the HSO plants itself outdoors, enlists some hi-watt stars and beams sound waves into the night air. — Michael Hamad, courant.com, "July Is A Huge Month For HSO POPS! Fans. Here’s Why.," 28 June 2018 However, a doctor might decide to use an ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) to help locate the lump. — Korin Miller, SELF, "8 Helpful Things to Know About Getting a Breast Biopsy Before It Happens," 27 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sound wave.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.