1
: having a frequency above the human ear's audibility limit of about 20,000 hertz
used of waves and vibrations
2
: utilizing, produced by, or relating to ultrasonic waves or vibrations

Did you know?

Ultrasound, or ultrasonography, works on the principle that sound is reflected at different speeds by tissues or substances of different densities. Ultrasound technology has been used medically since the 1940s. Sonograms, the pictures produced by ultrasound, can reveal heart defects, tumors, and gallstones; since low-power ultrasonic waves don't present any risks to a body, they're most often used to display fetuses during pregnancy in order to make sure they're healthy. Ultrasonics has many other uses, including underwater sonar sensing. High-power ultrasonics are so intense that they're actually used for drilling and welding.

Examples of ultrasonic 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 Each square creates ultrasonic waves and records the ripples back at millions of times per second. New Atlas, 26 June 2026 Her best long-term suggestion is to pick up ultrasonic devices at your local hardware store or purchase a few online. Nashia Baker, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026 His job is to test an ultrasonic transducer that sends pulses along a surface to deter mussels from attaching. Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ultrasonic

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultrasonic was in 1923

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Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

ultrasonic

adjective
: relating to or being vibrations that are of the same kind as sound waves but have too high a frequency to be heard by the human ear

Medical Definition

ultrasonic

adjective
1
a
: having a frequency above the human ear's audibility limit of about 20,000 hertz
used of waves and vibrations
b
: utilizing, produced by, or relating to ultrasonic waves or vibrations
removal of tartar with an ultrasonic scaler
2
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