1 acoustic | Definition of acoustic

acoustic

adjective
acous·​tic | \ É™-ˈküs-tik How to pronounce acoustic (audio) \
variants: or acoustical \ -​ti-​kÉ™l How to pronounce acoustical (audio) \

Definition of acoustic

1 : of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sounds acoustic apparatus of the ear acoustic energy : such as
a : deadening or absorbing sound acoustic tile
b : operated by or utilizing sound waves
2 : of, relating to, or being a musical instrument whose sound is not electronically modified

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Other Words from acoustic

acoustically \ -​k(É™-​)lÄ“ How to pronounce acoustically (audio) \ adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for acoustic

Synonyms

audial, audile, auditory, aural, auricular

Antonyms

nonauditory

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Examples of acoustic in a Sentence

the acoustic properties of a room She loves listening to acoustic folk music. an acoustic performance of a rock-and-roll song
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Recent Examples on the Web

At one point, Rhett took to the far edge of the runway that ran the length of the arena floor clutching only his acoustic guitar. Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, "Thomas Rhett offers high-energy evening of pop songs with a bit of twang at the X," 7 Sep. 2019 Throughout the album, stately piano, brushed drums, delicately plucked acoustic guitar and throaty upright bass provide a framework for Gill’s supple tenor. Chrissie Dickinson, chicagotribune.com, "Vince Gill gets open and personal on his latest album, ‘Okie’," 6 Sep. 2019 Enjoy music from Circle of Friends, a group that loves to share positive energy and joy with its rock and folk inspired music performed on acoustic guitar, standup bass, percussion and keyboard. Mary Jane Brewer, cleveland.com, "Medina County parks offer special fall and Halloween activities," 4 Sep. 2019 One night, after being screamed at by a drunk Morrison, Wassel broke an acoustic guitar over his head. Tom Maxwell, Longreads, "Shelved: Van Morrison’s Contractual Obligation Album," 29 Aug. 2019 The harmony will be enriched with Native American flute, acoustic guitar, metallophone and crystal bowls along with vocals. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Passion 4 K.I.D.S founders visit with royalty," 29 Aug. 2019 There’s a simplicity to it that will remind the listener of her early songs, including a return to her acoustic guitar. Courtney E. Smith, refinery29.com, "Taylor Swift Knows Lover Is All You Need," 24 Aug. 2019 Whenever a generation puts less emphasis on the bedrock sounds of fiddle, acoustic guitar and steel guitar, the argument begins anew. Jon Meacham, Time, "Country Music Should Be Political. After All, It Always Has Been," 15 Aug. 2019 The gunshot detection system uses acoustic sensors to identify when a gun has been fired and find the location of the shots, the release stated. Saja Hindi, The Denver Post, "Denver police to test gunshot detection system Monday in downtown, west Denver," 25 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'acoustic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of acoustic

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for acoustic

acoustic borrowed from Medieval Latin acousticus, acūsticus, borrowed from Greek akoustikós, from akoustós "heard, audible" (verbal adjective of akoúein "to hear," going back to Indo-European h2kous-) + -ikos -ic entry 1; acoustical from acoustic + -al entry 1 — more at hear

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More Definitions for acoustic

acoustic

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of acoustic

: of or relating to sound or to the sense of hearing
of a musical instrument : not having its sound changed by electrical devices
: made with or using acoustic instruments

acoustic

adjective
acous·​tic | \ É™-ˈkü-stik How to pronounce acoustic (audio) \
variants: or acoustical \ -​sti-​kÉ™l \

Kids Definition of acoustic

1 : of or relating to hearing or sound
2 : not having the sound changed by electrical devices an acoustic guitar

acoustic

adjective
acous·​tic | \ É™-ˈkü-stik How to pronounce acoustic (audio) \
variants: or acoustical \ -​sti-​kÉ™l How to pronounce acoustical (audio) \

Medical Definition of acoustic

: of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sounds acoustic apparatus of the ear acoustic energy : as
a : deadening or absorbing sound acoustic tile
b : operated by or utilizing sound waves

Other Words from acoustic

acoustically \ -​k(É™-​)lÄ“ How to pronounce acoustically (audio) \ adverb

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