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

Additional graduates will pursue careers in healthcare, including nursing and ultrasound technology. —Melissa Candy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026

Screening can begin in primary care with shoes-off exams, when damage from diabetes could be visible; ankle measurements to ascertain swelling, or ultrasounds if warranted. —Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 8 June 2026

After reviewing the hospital records and performing another ultrasound, the OB-GYN determined that Llorca's daughter was not pregnant. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

The global bundle doesn't cover everything, though, and pregnant people typically already pay some of the cost for certain services, such as ultrasounds, specialist visits, and lab work. —Michelle Andrews, CBS News, 3 June 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