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
The lawsuit alleges that Acacio performed an ultrasound on at least one patient after his license was suspended.
—
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
If endometriosis is suspected, doctors should start with a transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound, followed by an MRI if more detailed imaging is needed.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 3 Mar. 2026
Multiple blood tests and 108 pelvis, transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound images later, my ER doctor informed me of a possible ovarian cyst rupture.
—Angelica Zhiyu Luo, SELF, 3 Mar. 2026
If noninvasive ultrasound devices can reduce chronic pain or support mental health treatment, more patients may consider therapy without facing brain surgery.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ultrasound
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Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
If endometriosis is suspected, doctors should start with a transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound, followed by an MRI if more detailed imaging is needed.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 3 Mar. 2026
Multiple blood tests and 108 pelvis, transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound images later, my ER doctor informed me of a possible ovarian cyst rupture.
—Angelica Zhiyu Luo, SELF, 3 Mar. 2026
If noninvasive ultrasound devices can reduce chronic pain or support mental health treatment, more patients may consider therapy without facing brain surgery.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ultrasound
Cite this Entry
“Ultrasound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultrasound. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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