acoustics

American  

[uh-koo-stiks] / əˈku stɪks /

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the branch of physics that deals with sound and sound waves.

2. (used with a plural verb) the qualities or characteristics of a room, auditorium, stadium, etc., that determine the audibility or fidelity of sounds in it.

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acoustics British  

/ əˈkuːstɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the scientific study of sound and sound waves

2. (functioning as plural) the characteristics of a room, auditorium, etc, that determine the fidelity with which sound can be heard within it

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acoustics Scientific  

/ ə-ko̅o̅′stĭks /

1. The scientific study of sound and its transmission.

2. The total effect of sound, especially as produced in an enclosed space.

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Other Word Forms

• hyperacoustics
  noun

Etymology

Origin of acoustics

First recorded in 1675–85; see origin at acoustic, -ics

Explanation

If you choose to study sound, your field of expertise would be called acoustics. Once you get your degree, you might be hired by concert halls to improve the acoustics, or how sound carries through the room. Changing the acoustics of a room can be as simple as adding carpeting or curtains, as materials absorb sound waves. When you go to a fancy restaurant, look around. You might see decorative fabric panels on the walls. These acoustic panels don't just make the room look good, they make it so that you can hear your neighbor, but not the fellow across the room.

Example Sentences

Peterson had already played there many times by 1960, and he and his manager-producer, Norman Granz, realized that with its comparatively small space and excellent acoustics Baker’s was perfect for a live recording.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

In Munich, the temporary Isarphilharmonie, which has Toyota acoustics, is so successful that some are saying the city doesn’t need a new concert hall after all.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

Recent tests reveal that some of these caves have surprisingly good acoustics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Michael Stocker, executive director of the acoustics group Ocean Conservation Research, has been leading whale-viewing trips to the gray whales’ breeding ground at San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California since 2006.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

That was wrong, because my stepdad sometimes sang in the shower, and the acoustics didn’t stop him from sounding like a dying coyote.

From "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks