surround sound

[suh-round sound]

noun

1. an array of movie theater speakers, or the collective components of a home entertainment system, as speakers and an audio receiver, delivering audio from different channels of a soundtrack to convey directional sound, typically used to enhance the immersive experience of watching entertainment on a screen.

   Having surround sound really makes the whole television experience better, not just for movies, but sports too!

adjective

1. of or relating to such a collection of three or more speakers delivering multichannel audio to create an immersive experience at home or in a theater.

   With five or seven surround sound speakers, you can hear video game enemies approaching from a specific direction—a real advantage over the TV audio output.

surround sound

noun

1. a system of sound recording and reproduction that uses three or more independent recording channels and loudspeakers in order to give the impression that the listener is surrounded by the sound sources Compare quadraphonics See also ambisonics

Word History and Origins

Origin of surround sound¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

New Zealander Annea Lockwood offered a 90-minute journey down the Housatonic River captured by loudspeakers in surround sound.

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It’ll play like gangbusters in a crowded theater and you should watch it there to appreciate its excellent use of surround sound.

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Nintendo argues its 3D audio tech will create a surround sound experience, but this is unlikely to be the feature that sways people to picking up the device.

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Esports players compete with over-ear headphones to make sure they get immersive surround sound from the game, and can hear their team-mates.

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It also has a giant-screen theater with Dolby Atmos surround sound.

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