ultrasound

noun

ul·​tra·​sound ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd 

plural ultrasounds

1

: vibrations of the same physical nature as sound but with frequencies above the range of human hearing

2

: the diagnostic or therapeutic use of ultrasound and especially a noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities

called also sonography, ultrasonography

3

: a diagnostic examination using ultrasound

The patient was scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound.

prenatal ultrasounds

Examples of ultrasound in a Sentence

They used ultrasound to examine his heart.

She had an ultrasound exam this morning.

She had an ultrasound this morning.

She showed me an ultrasound of her unborn baby.

Recent Examples on the Web

But that’s not the case for Sofwave, a non-invasive skin-tightening device that taps ultrasound to lift and firm skin on the face, neck and body. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

First caught on ultrasound, this phenomenon has since been confirmed using MRI studies. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 29 July 2026

Mild to moderate carpal tunnel is increasingly managed with splinting, corticosteroids, physical therapy, therapeutic ultrasound and yoga, per the American Academy of Family Physicians. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Some dogs — especially those with mild signs — can have normal blood tests and even a pancreas that looks normal using ultrasound. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ultrasound

• aboveground
• battleground
• belowground
• paperbound
• turnaround
• underground
• wraparound
• abound
• aground
• around
• astound
• background

Kids Definition

ultrasound

noun

ul·​tra·​sound ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd 

1

: ultrasonic vibrations

2

: the use of ultrasound for medical diagnosis or treatment and especially a technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for examining internal body structures and detecting abnormalities in the body

Medical Definition

ultrasound

1 of 2 noun

ul·​tra·​sound ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd 

1

: vibrations of the same physical nature as sound but with frequencies above the range of human hearing compare infrasound

2

: the diagnostic or therapeutic use of ultrasound and especially a noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities

called also echography, sonography, ultrasonography

3

: a diagnostic examination using ultrasound

ultrasound

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, performed by, using, or specializing in ultrasound

an ultrasound technician

ultrasound imaging