sound wave
noun
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
The software, says Johannes, allows the team to witness how light and sound waves expand and contract.
—
Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
At the time the galaxy shone forth, sound waves from the tremendous clap that started the universe were still ringing through the void.
—Rebecca Boyle, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024
But light waves are different from ocean waves or sound waves.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024
The rings pulse with light, relaying a representation of the sound waves of the words people say.
—James Barron, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sound wave 
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.
Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
At the time the galaxy shone forth, sound waves from the tremendous clap that started the universe were still ringing through the void.
—Rebecca Boyle, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024
But light waves are different from ocean waves or sound waves.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024
The rings pulse with light, relaying a representation of the sound waves of the words people say.
—James Barron, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sound wave
Dictionary Entries Near sound wave
Cite this Entry
“Sound wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sound%20wave. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share