ultrasound

noun

ul·​tra·​sound ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd 

plural ultrasounds

1

: vibrations of the same physical nature as sound but with frequencies above the range of human hearing

2

: the diagnostic or therapeutic use of ultrasound and especially a noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities

called also sonography, ultrasonography

3

: a diagnostic examination using ultrasound

The patient was scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound.

prenatal ultrasounds

Examples of ultrasound in a Sentence

They used ultrasound to examine his heart.

She had an ultrasound exam this morning.

She had an ultrasound this morning.

She showed me an ultrasound of her unborn baby.

Recent Examples on the Web

Draped on the back of the sofa behind Kevin were multiple ultrasound photos, a pair of baby’s shoes and a custom onesie. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025

Evie goes in for a checkup and the ultrasound tech can’t find her baby’s heartbeat; Evie can’t get a hold of Pete and winds up having to drive herself home. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 17 Jan. 2025

Demi-Leigh dressed in white as Tim showed off the ultrasound photos of their impending child. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 14 Jan. 2025

For example, researchers are developing a wearable ultrasound scanner to detect breast cancer, and engineers are developing skinlike sensors to detect changes in tumor size. —Aaron J. Masino, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ultrasound

noun

ul·​tra·​sound ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd 

1

: ultrasonic vibrations

2

: the use of ultrasound for medical diagnosis or treatment and especially a technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for examining internal body structures and detecting abnormalities in the body

Medical Definition

ultrasound

1 of 2 noun

ul·​tra·​sound ˈəl-trə-ˌsau̇nd 

1

: vibrations of the same physical nature as sound but with frequencies above the range of human hearing compare infrasound

2

: the diagnostic or therapeutic use of ultrasound and especially a noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities

called also echography, sonography, ultrasonography

3

: a diagnostic examination using ultrasound

ultrasound

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, performed by, using, or specializing in ultrasound

an ultrasound technician

ultrasound imaging