sound wave

noun

1
: sound entry 1 sense 1a
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.
The sensors send ultrasonic sound waves through your body from every angle. — Richard Lawler, The Verge, 18 June 2026 Yan and his colleagues used sound waves to encode a stream of data, including images and labels that identified those images. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2026 That said, studies suggest that these very low-frequency sound waves may affect the brain, heart, and vestibular system (which controls balance). — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 3 June 2026 Indiana bats navigate and find insect prey by producing sound waves at frequencies above human hearing, experts say. — Mark Price june 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 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

Rhymes for sound wave

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Browse Nearby Words

sound-type
sound wave
sound wormy
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Cite this Entry

“Sound wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sound%20wave. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

sound wave

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sound wave

Nglish: Translation of sound wave for Spanish Speakers

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