surface wave

noun

plural surface waves
: an earthquake vibration propagated near the surface of the earth compare body wave

Examples of surface 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.
Unlike surface waves that break at the coast, these are subsurface shifts in ocean heat that move across thousands of miles. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 June 2026 Though slower, S waves and surface waves cause the most damage due to their intense ground-shaking motion. — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 The last bit of shaking felt here may have resulted from longer-period surface waves coming in later, Page said. — Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2024 The surface waves were obvious and adversely affected all the swimmers. — Natasha Dye, Peoplemag, 3 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for surface wave

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surface wave was in 1887

Rhymes for surface wave

See All Rhymes for surface wave

Browse Nearby Words

surface water
surface wave
surfacing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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