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

Elsewhere, they acknowledge that competition is making acoustics revenue growth unpredictable, but still cite 11% March-quarter growth as a positive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

But Grenell said that option posed myriad complications such as whether awkward safety measures—such as wearing hard hats—would be needed for audience members, and how acoustics might be affected.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

There’s also an indoor pool, which Joel had covered up so he could use the space as a music room, because of its excellent acoustics.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 9, 2025

Little Tokyo offered an architectural awaking for a young Frank Gehry, and Disney’s celebrated acoustics trace directly back to Suntory Hall, Yasuhisa Toyota’s first major project.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2025

The acoustics along the corridor were quite good, and we would try to chat a bit to each other before going to sleep.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela