sound wave

noun

1
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Climb a rock wall, learn about sound waves, see live animals, watch a 3D movie, and so much more at this Liberty Science Center. Elena Donovan Mauer, Parents, 8 Feb. 2026 Instead of shakes and booms, Fleet Space’s node system relies on the naturally occurring vibrations of the earth and the sound waves created by those walking upon it. Lauren Steele, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026 That form of imaging, like ultrasound, uses sound waves to show pictures of the heart. Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026 The chip generates acoustic waves – similar to sound waves, but moving only the very top layer of the chip, which contains electrodes. Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound wave

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sound wave was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“Sound wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sound%20wave. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

sound wave

noun
1
2
sound waves plural : longitudinal pressure waves especially when transmitting audible sound

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