acoustic

American  

[uh-koo-stik] / əˈku stɪk /

adjective

1. pertaining to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sound.

2. (of a building material) designed for controlling sound.

3. Music.

   1. of, relating to, or being a musical instrument whose sound is not electrically enhanced or modified.

   2. arranged for or made up of such instruments.

      an acoustic solo; an acoustic group.

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noun

1. Obsolete. a remedy for deafness or imperfect hearing.

acoustic British  

/ əˈkuːstɪk /

adjective

1. of or related to sound, the sense of hearing, or acoustics

2. designed to respond to, absorb, or control sound

   an acoustic tile

3. (of a musical instrument or recording) without electronic amplification

   an acoustic bass

   an acoustic guitar

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Other Word Forms

• acoustically adverb
• nonacoustic adjective
• nonacoustical adjective
• nonacoustically adverb
• unacoustic adjective
• unacoustical adjective
• unacoustically adverb

Etymology

Origin of acoustic

From the Greek word akoustikós, dating back to 1595–1605. See acouasm, -tic

Example Sentences

Over a simple acoustic backing, he reminisces about "smokey bars and cheap guitars", observing that while Liverpool is always changing, "nothing can erase the days we left behind".

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

This setup acts as an "acoustic levitator," allowing the beads to remain suspended and still in mid-air.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

And I’ve done a lot of shows that are even more nerve-racking than a solo acoustic show, and that’s living room shows.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

"Sea mines and other explosive devices can cause acoustic disturbance impacting sea mammals and other animals, and blast damage to natural undersea structures such as reefs," Weir said.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

According to Woods’s acoustic simulations, every word should have been audible below, lifting the veil of secrecy.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann