acoustic

[ uh-koo-stik ]

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.

noun

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

acoustic

/ 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 guitar

   an acoustic bass

Derived Forms

• aˈcoustically, adverb

Other Words From

• a·cousti·cal·ly adverb
• nona·coustic adjective noun
• nona·cousti·cal adjective
• nona·cousti·cal·ly adverb
• una·coustic adjective
• una·cousti·cal adjective
• una·cousti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of acoustic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of acoustic¹

C17: from Greek akoustikos, from akouein to hear

Example Sentences

Armed with just his acoustic guitar, he constantly writes new songs, as demonstrated by the ones he’s written earlier this year.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s also the crazed racket of “Motorbike Song” and the alluring ballad “Big Dreams,” written on acoustic guitar and matched in tone by a wistful music video directed by longtime collaborator John Angus Stewart.

From Los Angeles Times

So last year in Paris, he packaged a series of acoustic shows based around themes — “Songs of Youth and Addiction,” “Songs of Love and Desire” and “Songs of Contempt and Resistance ”— interwoven with stories.

From Los Angeles Times

After numerous drafts and countless adjustments for angles and weight distribution, Blackwell developed two designs, for electric and acoustic guitars.

From Los Angeles Times

The acoustics shine in what had come to be known as Copley Symphony Hall, now named Jacobs Music Center.

From Los Angeles Times