surround sound

American  

[suh-round sound] / səˈraʊnd ˌsaʊnd /

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!

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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 British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of surround sound

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

“The media/lounge features surround sound, wet bar, fireplace and walk-in chilled wine room,” the listing notes.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2025

It is a sort of surround sound in terms of their intention and their focus.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2024

If you do install surround sound, remember not all movies or shows will utilize all your speakers.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 15, 2023

All the educational video games had 3-D visuals, digital surround sound, and something new that Mr. Lemoncello was developing for his video games: smell-a-vision.

From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein