sound bite

noun

1. a brief, striking remark or statement excerpted from an audiotape or videotape for insertion in a broadcast news story.

sound bite

noun

1. a short pithy sentence or phrase extracted from a longer speech for use on radio or television

Word History and Origins

Origin of sound bite¹

First recorded in 1985–90

Idioms and Phrases

A short, striking, quotable statement well suited to a television news program. For example, He's extremely good at sound bites, but a really substantive speech is beyond him . This slangy expression, first recorded in 1980, originated in political campaigns in which candidates tried to get across a particular message or get publicity by having it picked up in newscasts.

Example Sentences

Trump’s time in the White House during the pandemic was fraught with stream-of-consciousness sound bites that often contradicted national or global health advisories.

From Salon

He went on for a moment, but what’s actually going on is far too complicated for a debate sound bite, and the moderators soon cut both candidates’ microphones, which was allowed by the rules.

From Los Angeles Times

His signature shoey celebration – which is credited with popularising the practice in Australia – memeable media sound bites and humorous stunts have enamoured him to legions the world over.

From BBC

Unlike at the presidential debate, in which the commentary on immigration devolved into sound bites and verbal jabs, Walz and Vance presented their respective campaign’s message with a congenial tone.

From Los Angeles Times

Video of Harris’ sometimes meandering sound bites have become a staple of GOP critics.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blurb
• clip
• excerpt
• one-liner
• quotation
• slogan
• snippet