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

Your provider may also use imaging tests, like a pelvic ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of your uterus and find the cause of heavy bleeding.15 In some cases, your provider may perform a hysteroscopy. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 8 Mar. 2025

Conductive hearing loss typically occurs when sound waves are blocked or not transmitted effectively, often due to ear infections, earwax buildup, or ear drum perforation. —Miriam A Knoll, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

Earth's magnetic field occasionally bursts into song — but these compositions are written with electromagnetic radiation, not sound waves. —Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2025

These also manipulate the propagation of sound waves to both prevent breakage and protect nerves and soft tissues. —Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sound wave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave

Medical Definition

sound wave

noun

1

: sound sense 1

2

sound waves plural : longitudinal pressure waves especially when transmitting audible sound