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

That said, studies suggest that these very low-frequency sound waves may affect the brain, heart, and vestibular system (which controls balance). —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 3 June 2026

The built an acoustic atom, a chip-scale device that can trap and control sound waves. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026

The music also shifted from long-wave, experimental sounds to higher BPM (Beats Per Minute) and more complete scores of music — short light waves, long sound waves / long light waves, short sound waves. —Steve Spaleta, Space.com, 26 May 2026

There are also generators aimed at more niche or high-value products, such as star maps based on real astronomical data or sound wave visualizations derived from audio files. —New Atlas, 24 May 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