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

According to the marque, its designers listened to the actual songs of the model’s namesake bird and then made a creative interpretation of the sound waves. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026

The parts, like antennas, can receive signals and then generate sound waves audible to humans. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026

The Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto took his inspiration from the light filtering through the surrounding trees and the undulations of sound waves to make something quietly sublime. —Joshua Levine, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026

The San Bernardino County Fire Department tested new technology on Monday designed to help suppress fires by using sound waves. —Joy Benedict, CBS News, 31 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