hertz

noun

ˈhərts How to pronounce hertz (audio) ˈherts How to pronounce hertz (audio)
plural hertz
: a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second
—abbreviation Hz

Examples of hertz 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.
And a high-frequency sound of more than 1,000 hertz is produced by whistling within the larynx. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2026 The other is surprisingly high -- often above 1,000 hertz -- about the same pitch as a tea kettle whistle. — Liz Neporent, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026 The settings can be adjusted to tweak a 10-band equalizer with frequencies from 50 hertz to 1,200 hertz. — Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 15 Dec. 2025 For example, say our transmission has a frequency of 100 MHz (1 x 108 hertz). — Rhett Allain, Wired News, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hertz

Word History

Etymology

Heinrich R. Hertz

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hertz was circa 1928

Rhymes for hertz

See All Rhymes for hertz

Browse Nearby Words

Herts
hertz
Hertz
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hertz.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hertz. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hertz

noun
ˈhe(ə)rts How to pronounce hertz (audio) ˈhərts How to pronounce hertz (audio)
: a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second
—abbreviation Hz

Medical Definition

hertz

noun
ˈhərts How to pronounce hertz (audio) ˈherts How to pronounce hertz (audio)
: a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second
—abbreviation Hz

Biographical Definition

Hertz 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

ˈherts How to pronounce Hertz (audio) ˈhərts How to pronounce Hertz (audio)
Gustav Ludwig 1887–1975 German physicist

Hertz

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Heinrich Rudolf 1857–1894 German physicist

More from Merriam-Webster on hertz

Nglish: Translation of hertz for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hertz

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