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 test uses sound waves to look at the parotid and submandibular glands. — Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 15 Sep. 2026

The device allows the sound waves to penetrate the skull without so much as a needle poke or incision and without causing any damage to surrounding bone or tissue in the process. — Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2026

The team designed miniature boats with three cavities tuned to different audible frequencies, enabling them to steer the boat in a particular direction by changing the frequency of the sound waves from a speaker. — ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026

Some didgeridoo instrumentalists believe its low-frequency sound waves can foster a state of health and harmony for those in the Aboriginal community. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 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